A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1513-1549, 1610
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Oportun(e, Opportun(e, a. Also: oportone, oportoun. [ME. and e.m.E. opportune (Lydgate), e.m.E. oportune (1548), F. opportun, -une, seasonable, timely, L. opportūn-us.] Fitting, suitable, convenient for some intended action or purpose. a. Of a time.1513 Doug. xi. xv. 39.
Thys forsaid Aruns … Chosys hys tyme that was mast oportune And towart hir hys dart adressyt sone 1533 Boece xvi. i. 606.
Differring to be revengit he taryit tyme mair oportune quhill the nixt ȝere 1535 Stewart 25125. 1547 Corr. M. Lorraine 211.
And tak tym quhill tym is oportun 1549 Complaynte of Scotland 131/12.
Heffand commodite and tyme oportune to commit that act 1549 Ib. 177/4. c1610 Melville Mem. 40.
[He] awaited vpon tym mair opportun
b. Of a place.1513 Doug. v. viii. 46.
Quhar best he may cum to hys purpos sone Avysand weil the place maist oportone 1524 Reg. Episc. Aberd. I. 389.
Bot protestit for remeid of law in tyme and place oportune and befor ane competent juge 1535–6 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 165.
With the octaves of the sammyn in all places oportoun
