Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

(Nichbour-,) Nychtbourschip, -schype, n. [Cf. e.m.E. neyghbourshepe (1523), neighbourship.] a. The fact of being neighbour, propinquity, (to (till) others). b. Neighbourly relations or conduct, amicable or helpful behaviour to another as one's neighbour. c. To hald nichtbourschip to another or with dative pron., to conduct oneself towards another as a good neighbour, to render to a neighbour or fellow-member of one's community due assistance or co-operation. —a. 1456 Hay I. 101/32.
For nychtbourschip till evill folk gerris oft tymes the gud tak scatheb. 1456–70 Acts XII. 27/1.
Owr baronry … the quhilkis we gaif owr at the compositioun for his gud seruice and gud nychtbourschype 1504 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I. 101.
Margaret Leslie … grantit hir to keipe nychtbourschip to Sir Gilbert Hayc. 1562–3 Inverness Rec. I. 101.
William M^cConylbane is decernit to hald nychtbourschip to Thom Wrycht within xv dayis to big his dykis sufficient 1567 Ib. 156. 1579–80 Ib. 176.
The jugis hes decernit Johne M^cThomas M^cBean to hald sufficient nychtbourschip in tyme cuming to Johne Cuming his nychtbour 1585 Ib. 302.