A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Militat, v. Also: -ate. [L. mīlitāt-, p.p. stem of mīlitāre to serve as a soldier: cf. e.m.E. militate (1625) in somewhat different uses.]
intr. Of legal decisions, statutes, evidences, arguments etc.: To have effect, carry weight, operate, tell (freq. against a party or legal act).(1) 1593 in Montg. (Suppl., ed. S.T.S. 59) p. 326.
These decreittis militatis nathing in this caice a1633 Hope Major Pract. I. 156.
The presumptione militats in the contrair 1662 Burnett Fam. P.
In sua farr as the samen might conduce & militat for my better … securitie of the saids lands 1676 Fountainhall in M.P. Brown
Suppl. Decis. III. 66.
The same [reasons] militated still to enforce the necessity … of assuming new arts and trades(2) a1633 Hope Major Pract. I. 122.
The statute 1621 against bankrupts militats not against donations Ib. II. 206. 1643 Galloway P. 25 Aug.
Thir presentes shall militat no farther againes him 1663 Decis. Lords G. 59. 1668 Rothesay B. Rec. 147.
That the said defenses or productioune of the said richt cannot militat against Janet Glas hir pairt of the guids
b. Of persons: To contend, strive.1635 Hay Geneal. 90.
Your lordship hes to militat by your preposterous pitie with a moir noble
