A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Houshaldar, -halder, n. Also: howshalder, houssehader. [e.m.E. howseholder (1547), ME. housholdere (c 1386), with corresponding forms in the related languages.] The person holding or occupying a house for himself and his family.1531 Bell. Boece II. 298.
He delt, ilk owlk, iv bowis of quheit, … amang pure houshaldaris 1539 Glasgow Prot. IV. 119.
Townty four puyr howshalderis … to pray for the foirsaidis saulis 1564 Inverness B. Rec. I. 114.
That ewerie houshaldar … wyth thair famelie be inrollit in ane buikea1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. xxi. 12.
Now ... Lordis ... scant hes ane to keip thair mule, All houshaldaris is worne awayId. Ho. Seytoun 32.
This Lord George was ane grit hous haldar, and all gevin to nobilnes1596 Montgomery Mem. 235.
I leve to the pure depauperat houshalders, … ijc merkis 1600-1610 Melvill 783.
Wischeris and walderis are but evile housse-haderis
