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.
Hapning, -yng, Happin-, vbl. n. [f. Happin v.; also e.m.E. happenyng (1551).] a. One's fortune or fate. b. Chance; of hapning, by chance. —a. a1400 Leg. S. xxix. 743.
Of hyr hapny[n]g I wat no moreb. 1375 Barb. xii. 373.
For in punȝeis is oft hapnyne [H. happenyne] Quhill for to vyne, and quhill to tyne c1420 Wynt. vi. 1620.
Swa wawerand will, Off hapnyng he com to the myll Off Fortewyot 1431 Reg. Great S. 45/1.
Gif it hapnys that the sayd toun … throuch falland case or hapnyng of ony maner cummys not to the sayd payment a1500 Doug. K. Hart 52.
Thai watchit ay the wallis … Fo[r] innemeis that of hapning ay come by
