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.
Oracle, Orakil(l, -kyl(l, n. [ME. (Chaucer), e.m.E. and F. oracle (12th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), L. ōrāculum.] A (divine) oracle. Also (in Douglas), b. an omen, portent, augury, and c. a divine promise or message.1513 Doug. iii. vi. 23.
And euery oracle [Ruddim. orakyl] of goddis admonyst eik That [etc.] Ib. x. i. 18; etc.
Oraclys 1549 Compl. 83/22.
Kyng Cresus past to the oracle of Appollo in the tempil of Delphos 1579, 1617 Despauter (1579).
The orakillis of the goddis c1590 J. Stewart II. 40/377. 1597 James VI Dæmonol. 53. a1599 Rollock Wks. 435.
Quha thinkis he speikis ay ane oracleb. 1513 Doug. iii. i. 69.
Besekyng this avisioun worth happy And the oracle prosperite suld signifyc. 1513 Doug. viii. ii. 27.
And O thou haly fader Tyberine Conferm thy promys and orakill in hy Ib. x. v. 99.
At this orakyll be hastyt to our weill Ib. iii. ii. 92.
