A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1455-1500, 1575
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Handbreid, -braid(e, n. Also: handbred. [e.m.E. handbrede, ME. hond-, haundebrede, OE. handbréd, hande brád.] A hand's-breadth. —1455 Acts II. 43/2.
That all erlis sall vse mantillis … furryt with quhyt and lynyt befor outwith, ane hand braide to the belt stede a1500 Henr. Fab. 2046.
His toung out hang ane handbreid [Harl. hand braid] of his heid 1575 Rec. Earld. Orkney 138.
[The inquest] findis the said … tennement to be of breid … tuentie tua futtis and ane handbred mair
