A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
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: 1600-1699
[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1]
Inact, v. Also: inacct. [e.m.E. and ME. (1464). Cf. Enact v. The 16th c. word is Act v.]
1. tr. a. To enter (a statute, etc.) in an official book of record. b. To enact, ordain, decree.a. 1627 Rec. Convention of Royal Burghs III. 256.
The same [letter from the King] to be inacted in thair buiks 1648 Glasgow B. Rec. II. 140.
The said act of parliament of … the tent day of this instant and inactit in this buik on the threttein day therofb. 1660 Lanark B. Rec. 176.
The Deane of Gild and his counsell hes inactit, statut and ordeanit that [etc.] 1677 Stitchill Baron Ct. 83.
The judge … has decerned and inacted and be thir presentts inacts and decernes … that every persons grasse [etc.]
2. To adjudge or declare liable (a person) in a certain sum by way of fine.16.. Bk. O. Edinb. C. XX. 109.
They unanimouslie inact and unlaw Johne Smyth prenteis … in the sowme of fourtie schilling 1668 Corshill Baron Ct. 79.
The judge … inactis the said Williame Wyllie for the said batterie in fyne of ten pound, … and … inacted them in fyne of twentie lib. if they should comitt the lyke … hereafter
3. In the passive: To have one's name entered in a record as pledged to some undertaking.1605 Peebles B. Rec. I. 357.
[The cleansers] to be putt in Robert Newtoun hous and the toun inactit for his skaith of the hous1649 Rec. Convention of Royal Burghs III. 348.
That all maisteris of schippis be straitlie bound and inacted to take no staple waris aboard [etc.]
4. reflex. To enter (oneself) as pledged to some undertaking or obligation.1623 Kinghorn Kirk S. 24.
He was ordanit … to find cawtion not to do the lyk againe, or to inact him selfe 1650 Strathbogie Presb. 130.
William Adamsone … subscryvit the testimoniall and made ane faschon … of inacting himself caution 1667 Urie Baron Ct. 85.
William Duthie inactis himselfe to pey his … restes 1686 Misc. Spald. C. V. 234.
All hearitors [etc.] … to causs thair tennants oblidge themselves aither in thair assedations or inact themselves in thair maister court booksabsol. 1667 Urie Baron Ct. 85.
Walter Wilson inactis to pay his heall … restis
