A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ofcom, Offcome, n. [Cf. e.m.E. of-, offcome the product of multiplication (1542–1674), but in the following uses only Sc.; also in the mod. dial. as off- or affcome in sense b below and others.] a. The way in which an argument works out, the conclusion of an argument. b. The way in which one comes out of an affair or is seen to conduct oneself in it. —a. a1653 Baillie Dissuas. Vind. 28.
To have set down … some solution of these knots and not to have left them with a meer general offcome Ib. 67.
But your true offcome is, that these elect infants are not knowne to men —b. 1666 Laing MSS. I. 351.
Which will be an honourabell ofcom for both 1691 Haigs of Bemersyde 327.
Lest I have a foolish offcome and receive disgrace 1681-91 Faithful Contendings 179.
For … giving us the fairer off-come in the eyes of the world
