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.
Lessen, Lesn-, v. [e.m.E.: cf. Les v.1] tr. To make less, reduce in scope, value, etc., devaluate. —c1650 Spalding II. 9.
Wee have lesned our cair of our nichtbouris c1680 Mackenzie Affairs 240.
He was said to haue adulterated and lessen'd our coin
