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.
Mortifiar, -er, Mortefear, n. [Mortify v. 3: cf. e.m.E. mortifier (1649) in other senses.] One who conveys land etc. in perpetuity by way of mortification (Mortificatio(u)n(e n. 2), one who executes a deed of mortification.1622-6 Bisset II. 148/16. Ib. 187/2.
Bot the samin for the moist pairte is forȝett bayth be the mortifiaris, gevaris and doaris 1637 Aberd. B. Rec. III. 113.
That the same might remaine efter the death of the mortefearis ad perpetuam rei memoriam 1660 Aberd. Council Lett. IV. 58.
It wold alter the mortifiers intentiounes to the full 1661 Ib. 137.
Concerning Mr. Spence, nephew to Mr. Johnstone your mortifier 1670 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 263. 1677 Cullen Kirk S. 1 Sept.
I the said mortifier hawe ordained … my nearest kin & relationes of my name to be presenters of one poor schooll boy of my name [etc.] 1695 Ib. 13 Jan.