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.
Import, v. P.p. also importen. [e.m.E. importe (Skelton), ME. (once) inporte (Lydgate), L. importāre.]
1. To import (merchandise) from abroad.1613 Conv. Burghs II. 382.
The impost following to be vpliftit … at Campheir of all guids importit to Scotland thairfra
2. To bring in to oneself, obtain for oneself, get, have.1570 Reg. Morton I. 55.
This we pray ȝow faill not to do, as ȝe will importe our speciall thankis 1584 Reg. Privy C. III. 681.
A … meane quhairby his Majestie … may import a greit proffeit and commoditie Ib. 682.
The commoditie to be importit throu the executioun of the said plat
3. a. To bring as a consequence; to occasion, involve, bring about.1590 Welwod 67.
The schippes gear wrackit … be storm importis na mair contributioun nor giff ane warkeman breake his warkloums in his warke 1587-99 Hume 104/42.
In all things quhilk may import sinne, thou aucht to haue the … command of God for thy warrant 1608 Melrose P. 43.
Sindrie volumis … heichlie importing your maiesteis honnour 1629 Black Sc. Witches 5.
Without any apparent cause or mids of reason to import that skaith, except by the devilish sorcery … of the pannel
b. ? To introduce by implication, imply, suggest.c1590 Fowler II. 27/32.
In this point … , quhilk he wald haue importen sum misterie
4. To impart, communicate (information).1607 Highland P. III. 101.
Thir questionis [etc.] … we haif send up to maister Alexander Hay who will importe the same vnto ȝour maiestie at lenth 1617 Kirkwall Sheriff Ct. Act Bk. MS. 7 b.
That no persone … sall hyd … any kynd of thift [etc.] … but sall import, shew, and direct the samyne to thair bailȝies
