Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Ordain, Ordan(e, v. Also: ordaine, -ayn(e, ordannhordan, ourdan(e, orden(e, -ein(e, -eyn, -eien(e, -een, -ien, -ean(e, ordin(e, -yn-, ordon(e; ordand(e, ordend. P.t. and p.p. ordainit, ordaynit, etc., also ordaind, -and(e, hordand, ordend, -einde, -eand; ordaint, -ant, -ent, -eant, -int; ardent; ordainted. [ME. and e.m.E. ordeine(n (c 1290), ordeinie (c 1290), ordeyne (1303), ordeigne (1377), ordain(e (Cursor M.), -ayn(e, ordyne (Trevisa), ordene (15th c.), ordonne (c 1440–c 1500), p.t. and p.p. ordeined (1297), ordeynede, ordayned, etc., also ordeind (Cursor M.), ordeynd, ordaind (Cursor M.), ordaynd, ordand(e (north., a 1400–50), hordende (1482), ordeint (Cursor M.), ordent(e (14–15th c.), ordenet (14–15th c.), OF. ordener (3 sing. ordeine, ordaine, ordeigne), later ordoner (mod. ordonner), AF. ordeiner, ordeigner, L. ordināre.The type ordand occurs, in the present tense, only in uninflected forms.]

1. tr. To draw up in order of battle; to array, marshal, order (troops or their disposition).Only early. 1375 Barb. viii. 218 (E).
In twa eschelis ordanyt he had The folk Ib. xi. 172 (C).
His awne battale ordanit he And quha suld at his bridill be Ib. 181.
Quhen the Kyng … Had ordanit … His battalis and his stering Ib. xvii. 563.
Ordanit in gude aray, Toward thair fais thai held their vay Ib. xi. 351. ?1438 Alex. ii. 7145.
Clarus was wonder wyse of weir, And wele couth ordane his effeir To greif his fais Ib. 7974. c1420 Wynt. iv. 644.
Sex hundyre thousand … Off Perseys ordanyd for batale Ib. viii. 6197.
Willame off Dowglas … was Ordanyd in forray for to pas Ib. v. 1008. c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3409.
Into battale ordand wele he ridis c1475 Wall. iii. 164.
The Inglismen … Befors ordand in sondyr thaim to ber Ib. ix. 895.
His assailȝe he ordannys wondyr sayr Ws for to harm a1500 Lanc. 2848. 1494 Loutfut MS. 5 b.
The counstable wes lieutennand generall … til ordine and convoy the hostis and battalȝias of the prince

b. transf. To set out in the open in an orderly arrangement, to array. c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 572.
In myddes of the feldes were Wytht-out the walles of the towne The relykes ordeyned [L. ordinatis] of renowne

2. refl. To make oneself ready for battle, to prepare, array or equip oneself.Only in early verse. 1375 Barb. viii. 195.
On this wis him ordanit he, And syne assemblit his menȝe Ib. xii. 330.
Than till thair inmys went thai sone And ordanyt thaim for the fechting a1400 Leg. S. iii. 531.
Bot erare ordanis ȝou that ȝe To Criste campionis ma be ?1438 Alex. i. 1382.

p.p. Of a person: Prepared or equipped for battle. — c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 2222.
And thai both … For battell ordanit all attones

3. To put in order for some purpose (something material); to prepare or make ready, furnish or provide, design or make.Const. for or to (till) a person or animal, or dative, or for or to (till) the purpose or infin.Passing into sense 5. 1375 Barb. xvii. 626.
Engynys alsua for till cast Thai ordanit and maid redy fast a1400 Leg. S. xxi. 793.
The prefet thane gert ordand hyme a schype Ib. xxvii. 693.
Ordenyt 1456 Hay I. 81/6.
For gude curage … ordanis gude habilliamentis for weris Ib. II. 28/30.
The hewing ax is ordanyt to cutt doune treis that hynderis labouragis of landis Ib. 143/8.
For men suld ordane four chaumeris, ilkane besyde othir be order a1500 Rauf C. 323.
Than the coilȝear … ordanit him ane laid c1475 Wall. v. 1035. a1500 Lanc. 2414.
Euery thyng that in yhour myster lyis I sall gar ordan 1490 Paisley B. Rec. 40.
Certane … hewyn werk quhilk wes ordanit to the merket croce of … Paslay 1491 Acts II. 226.
Ordinit 1513 Doug. vi. xv. 109.
Thar bene ordanyt for dremys ȝettis twane 1535 Stewart 53866.
For that same sow I haif ordand sic draf Sall [etc.] Ib. 55007.
Attouir the wall richt mony Scot thair clam On lang ledderis that ordand war thairtill 15.. Clar. v. 1545.
Abuilȝeit … In licht clethings, all ordanit for the dance a1578 Pitsc. I. 367/4.
[With] all maner of wapouns ordanitt for weir Ib. II. 42/14.
[He] gart eat the provisioun that was ordainitt for the Inglische captans Ib. I. 367/15.

b. To set up or cause to be set up (some material structure). c1420 Wynt. v. 1302.
In Athenys he ordanyd hade Off fayre werk a gret lybrare Ib. 3092.
And quhen that he awterys of stane In ilke kyrke gert fyrst ordane a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 470.
Wrightis … Ordanit hurdys ful hie in holtis sa haire

c. To invent. 1622-6 Bisset II. 199/11.
Sum say they [boats] war ordaned be the Troyianis in the Hillispontus

4. intr. const. for: To make arrangements for, to provide for; also, to attend to the preparation or provision of, to see to.Only in early verse. 1375 Barb. xvii. 259.
Valter Steward … He left in Berwik … And ordanit fast for apparaill Till defend gif men vald assaill Ib. xx. 68.
He gert wele for the mangery Ordane quhen that his son Dawy Suld weddyt be Ib. 165.
He ordanit for his saull richt weill c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 2418.
Syne … thai … ordinit for the kingis sepulture

5. tr. To assign or allot, appoint or designate; also, to give instructions for the giving of.Const. as sense 3, with which there is ambiguity in some instances. Also with admixture of various other senses. 1375 Barb. xvii. 298 (E).
And till gret lordis … Ordanyt a feld for thair herbry Ib. 400.
Than thai that in the schippis wer Ordanyt a schip … To cum with all hyr apparaill Rycht to the wall for till assaill a1400 Leg. S. xlix. 206.
Ordenyt c1420 Wynt. v. 3886.
For the qwere all halyly For prestys is ordanyt specyally And to clerkys … To syng … thare thaire serwys Ib. viii. 924.
And in hale conclusyown Thai ordanyd to the Brows the crown 1456 Hay I. 169/14.
He … despoilit … all the templis that war ordanyt to the service of God c1475 Wall. ii. 183.
Bot Thow rademe, na liff thai ordand me 1494 Loutfut MS. 44 a.
All that wald cum man compere in logez ordanit to thame 1490 Irland Mir. I. 24/22. a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 310.
Quhen He ordant His precius body till ws as sacrament In forme of breid c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxii. 115. 1508 Aberd. B. Rec. I. xxi.
The prouest [etc.] … ordanit ane propyn in wyne … to my lord of Abirdene 1513 Doug. v. xii. 158.
Al tha folk … Thai deput and thai ordand for this town 1575 Rec. Earld. Orkney 138.
[The bailie] ordanand lykvyse to the said Jonet the half of the close 1580 Edinb. Test. VIII. 202.
He leuis & ordinis to his spous … the haill inspreth of the sait hous 1582 Bk. Carlaverock II. 492.
I ordine my sone Johne the pensioun of Tungland 1596 Dalr. II. 319/16. Ib. I. 106/25.
Of the quhilkes horsses he ordaynet for the erle ane 1649 Wemyss Chart. 232.
I ordin my Skots diamond ring for my dir faither

6. To set up or establish, found or institute (an institution, observance, practice, etc.).When the object is followed by a complement, passing into various other senses, as sense 5, 12, or, in the passive, 7 c. c1420 Wynt. ii. 242.
He wes the fyrst [that] in hys dawys Ordanyt in to Grece the lawys Ib. v. 2446.
Fyrst kyrk-yhardys ordanyd he, And till the kyrkys parochys Ib. iii. 966, iv. 36, v. 1494. c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 40/19.
Haly Kirk has ordanit the fasting of Lentryne … to clenge the consciens of the persone Id. Mir. I. 33/5.
The kyrk has ekit and ordand the devin seruice to grow in honour Ib. II. 71/9.
And the memor of the passioun of Jhesu ordanit and institut be Him Ib. I. 101/4. a1538 Abell 4* b.
Ditta wes fyrst hordand in Scotland Ib. 27 a.
He ordanit the 40 dais of Lentryne 1535 Stewart 454.
Ordand (p.p.) c1540 Lynd. Kitteis Conf. 135.
Confessioun first wes ordanit fre In this sort in the Kirk to be 1549 Compl. 11/17.
Ilk ane of thir degreis ar ordand til help vthirs in necessite 1551 Hamilton Cat. 64.
That ilkane househaldar … syne ordand sum … scharp punitioun be the maner of ane law in his house Ib. 217.
To thame that ar lyk to be drownit in hell for original syn is ordanit the buird of baptyme a1578 Pitsc. I. 85/30.
Ane commonweill institut and ordanit to be gydit witht … iustice 1581 Burne Disput. 9.
Ordenit 1581 Id. Ib. in Cath. Tr. 138/4.
As Numa Pompilius did learne ane greit pairt of tha thingis quhilk he ordinit in the citie of Rome 1588 King Cat. in Cath. Tr. 202/21.
Ordineit

7. Said of God, Nature or Destiny, or in the passive or impersonal without specification of an agent: a. To appoint or decree, establish or create (some part of the natural or predestined order).(a) c1420 Ratis R. 1228.
God that ordanyt hire [sc. reason] seruande To man & woman here growand [etc.] c1450 Cr. Deyng (S.T.S.) 30. c1450-2 Howlat 734.
Ordanit or Adam and ay till indur 1456 Hay I. 6/28. Ib. 101/11.
Oure Lord God almychty … ordanyt the bataill aganis him and his complicis c1460 Wisd. Sol. (S.T.S.) 182. c1490 Porteous Noblenes 174/1. 1513 Doug. x. Prol. 9. 1561 Q. Kennedy Compendious Ressonyng (ed.) 177/8.
O lorde God quhilk has … ordanit [G. ordannit] solace and releif to the lawbouris of men be dwm beistis 1562-3 Winȝet II. 31/6.
Sua alsua thai thingis quhilkis ar ordanit(b) c1420 Ratis R. 1477.
Mekil God … has hordand al thing Ib. 1766.
That Lord is our al kindly thinge And ordand thaim in thar doinge 1461 Liber Plusc. I. 384.
All this warld … He ordande for refeccioun of manhaid c1460 Thewis Wysmen 254. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 67/11.
Sleip … had bene principaly ordand for the perfit degestioune(c) 1662 Crim. Trials III. 609.
And all the feaveris that ewir God ordained

b. To appoint, allot or destine (to or for a person, etc.). c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3593.
Ane hard fortoun was ordand me beforin a1497, 15.. Gray MS. vi. 4.
For erd til erd is ordanit ay Ib. iv. 49. c1475 Wall. viii. 53. a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 1176 (H).
For schrewis … The hell is ordinit for torment eternalle 1490 Irland Mir. I. 74/34.
As God ordand rameid … for all humane linage c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxviii. 5.
In hevin hie ordand is ȝour place 1513 Doug. ii. xii. 42.
Thar is gret substans ordanyt thé … Thar salt thou have a realm 1540 Lynd. Sat. 4556.
Ane nobill kaip [= cap] imperiell Quhilk is … ordanit … for … kingis Arundel MS. 240/85.
O Lord … behald me cumand to Thé for now Thou hes ordanit my tyme 1567 G. Ball. 103.
Ordand [D. ordain'd]

c. To create, destine or appoint (a person or thing) to do or be something or const. noun clause, or for or to (till) some end or purpose.In the passive, also = destined, ‘meant’ (to do or be something).(1) c1420 Ratis R. 1578.
Gif God ordanit ilke thinge For to endur for-out failȝeing 1513 Doug. xiii. vii. 48.
Quham the command of the gret goddis … Hes destinat and ordanyt to remane 1549 Compl. 54/16.
The creator of al thingis ordand it [the moon] to be ane remeid contrar mirknes of the nycht c1552 Lynd. Mon. 783.
God hes ordanit thame, trewlye, To be two saulis in one bodye a1568 Bann. MS. 44 a/11.
Thy God … Thé ordand in hevin to ring(2) 1456 Hay I. 171/18.
For the men of were ar callit the scurge … of God ordanyt to punys synnaris throu the … tholaunce of God Ib. 175/28.
Prisonaris ar nocht ordanyt to hald sa free prisoun that thai be led to … sik disportis Ib. II. 20/1.
As clergy was nocht ordanyt to be agayn the ordre of knychthede bot to honour it Ib. I. 165/16. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 95/11.
The moder is ordand to consaue the child [etc.] Ib. 51/13. Ib. 116/11.
Ordanit 1535 Stewart 60046. a1568 Scott xxx. 45.
As grund is ordand to beir seid 1560 Cal. Sc. P. I. 517.
Although some of the new comme sede is ordeyned to be planted in my gardeyn, yet I change not 1580 Edinb. Test. VIII. 263.
All flesche (but exceptioun) … is ordinit anis to die 1587-99 Hume 69/47.
The binding band … Be nature knit and ordoned till indure c1610 Melville Mem. 10.
Bot sche beleuit it had bene ordonit to eat because it had ane odoriphant smell 1614 W. Barclay Nepenthes or the Vertues of Tobacco Sig. A 4.
[Tobacco] is the only medicament in the world ordained by nature to entertaine good companie(3) a1500 Lanc. 704.
I curs the tyme of myne natiuitee Whar in the heuen it ordinyd was for me In all my lyue neuer til haue ees(4) c1420 Wynt. v. 5159.
For God ordanyt noucht that he Langare in that land suld be a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. clxxix. 113.
God … hes ordanit that thow be Ane quhome His sone Jesus still [sic] saiff(5) 1456 Hay II. 20/13.
For to lufe his ordre and nocht to lufe the caus that his ordre is ordanyt for … for God has ordanyt nane order under Him tobe contrair till ane othir Ib. 144/19.
That day is ordanyt for a day of blithnes and ese of bodily hele Ib. 147/10.
To the end quhareto it [the soul] is ordanyt c1475 Wall. iv. 4.
Wictaill and froyte … As God ordans to mannys gouernance 1490 Irland Mir. I. 24/20. c1568 Lauder Minor P. v. 28.
For of that band God was the minister Ordand of him for our wealth and behoue 1590 Crim. Trials I. ii. 234.
[Thou] ordanit me to heavinnis blis(6) 1562-3 Winȝet II. 68/6.
Albeit thai seik it nocht … ȝit sua thai ar ordanit frome aboue

8. To appoint (a person) to some office or charge.

a. To appoint (a person) to an office or charge denoted by a complement; to nominate or create.(a) 1385 3rd Rep. Hist. MSS. 410/1.
I Robyn Jopson sergand lauchfully made and ordanyt of the chef part of the barony of Langforgund throu Sir Patrick Gray ?1438 Alex. i. 421.
I Am Constabill ordaned be the King c1420 Wynt. v. 549. 1442 Raine N. Durham App. 105.
Be it knawen … vs … till haue made ordayned [etc.] … Alexander Home … our bailye c1450-2 Howlat 229.
The feldifer … Be ordour ane hospitular was ordanit full able 1456 Hay I. 67/30.
Quhilk was the first juge that ever was ordanyt a1500 Seven S. 2224.
And thare [the king] has ordanit Merling His stewart 1510 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) .
That day James Muthag [etc.] … was ordanit and maid burges and suorne therto 1513 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 145.
[They] limitt and ordanet certane persouns maisters and oversmen 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 258. 1644 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 31.
To James Rany and Thomas Still, officiaris laitlie ordanit(b) c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 2479.
Suppois ȝour king ȝe ordant me [etc.] c1475 Wall. vii. 1299.
Ordand (p.t.) 1507 Grant Chart. 46.
Tyll hewe mayd constitut and ordand … owr weylbelowyt Johne the Grant … owr … assigna(c) a1400 Leg. S. xxx. 424.
Thai ordenyt hyr thare out-rydere, Thar witale to the house to by 1688 Hawick Arch. Soc. (1868) 36/1.
[They did] ordeine John Hardie … and John Tudhope … two ordinary sworne burleymen(d) 1479 Sc. Ant. XV. 142.
We … ordinis our belufyt … servand … our lawfull balȝe in that part 1497–8 Newbattle Coll. (Somerville).
As lauchfull assingnay … to the foresaydis ordynyt 1550 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 150. 1561 Reg. Privy S.V. i. 236/1. 1575 Edinb. Test. III. 411 b.
I … ordinis Johne Gordoun [etc.] … gidaris & handilaris of my … bairnis(e) 1622 Misc. Spald. C.V. 222.
Alexander Cowper is maid creat and ordeanit pundlar

b. To appoint or nominate a person for some function or duty.Const. infin., also with ellipsis of the infin. 1375 Barb. xx. 71.
Passing into sense 12. (1) And Erll Thomas [etc.] … In-till his stede syne ordanit he Devysouris of that fest till be 1456 Hay I. 51/2.
And sa ordanyt the counsale of Rome thre othir consules to maynteine the weris Ib. II. 14/16.
Bot sen thai ordanyt him to be a lorde Ib. 102/7.
And ordaine lele men that lufis thy saule to … speke with thame a1500 Prestis of Peblis 168.
Thir burgesis … Had ordanit a wysman … The questioun to reid c1515 Asl. MS. I. 153/6. 1564–75 Hamilton & Campsie Test. I. 52.
I … ordane Johne Schelis my maicht to be curatour … to … my sone 1574 Glasgow B. Rec. I. 7.
The … counsale … ordanis and deputis thir persones underwrittin to visie the lonys 1579 Edinb. Test. VII. 132 b.
Ordanis thame to be collectouris ressauaris & ingadderaris thairof a1578 Pitsc. I. 25/17.
He ordanit syndrie wickit tyrantis out of all cuntreis to depend vpon him 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 110/4.
Sicc offices as ye ordaine thaime to serue in 1605 Glasgow Chart. I. 606. 1627 Stirling Merch. Guild 46.
[He] is ordanit to carye the merchands ansenȝie 1642 Strathbogie Presb. 31.
Ordayned(2) a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 339.
Thai ordanit that thre To the schore chiftane, chargit fra the kyng a1500 Rauf C. 329.
On ilk airt outwart war ordanit sic ten [companies]

c. Without complement: To appoint (an officer). c1420 Wynt. viii. 9.
Thai … ordanyd wardanys twys thre Ib. iv. 167. 1424 Acts Jas. I (Edinb. Univ. MS.) 84 b.
That with the clerkis thair be ordanit lawyde men be the schirraff depute 1441 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 7. c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 1244. 1473 Acts II. 106/1.
That thare be … ordanit a wardane & a decanne of the craft 1542 Reg. Privy S. II. 754/2.
With … all utheris officiaris … of court neidfull to mak creat and ordine and caus be sworne

9. To appoint or invest (an ecclesiastic); to ordain, in the ecclesiastical sense. a1400 Leg. S. xxii. 287.
[He] fand a prest … Quham Sixt, his master, ordinyt had Ib. viii. 59. c1420 Wynt. v. 2481.
He ordanyd hym that prestys suld be For till be ordanyd gre be gre 14.. Reg. Maj. c. 46 (see Ordinato(u)r n.). 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 2139.
Thow stant ordant, as sanct, of grant maist wise 1561 Q. Kennedy Compendious Ressonyng (ed.) 182/5.
Euery hie preist … is ordanit for men in thingis pertenand to God 1562-3 Winȝet I. 42/6.
Ȝe … findis na bischope [etc.] … institute and ordanit be the laic peple 1588 King Cat. in Cath. Tr. 178.
Ordeneit 1587-99 Hume 173/218.
Timotheus ordaned elderis, by laying on of the handis of elderis 1596 Dalr. I. 106/14. 1622-6 Bisset II. 315/14.
Ordened Ib. 361/12.
Ordaned

b. To appoint or invest (a person) as (bishop, minister, etc.). a1400 Leg. S. xv. 130.
& hyme … Byschape thai ordynit thare —c1450-2 Howlat 229 (see Ordre n. 4 c). — 1667 Sc. Hist. Rev. XXXIII. 172.
Mr. James Donaldson that wes to be admitted and ordeand minister

c. With admixture of sense 7 c. — a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 309.
Thow wes prestyt and ordanit be Sathan For to be borne to do thy kin defame Ib. 508.
Tak thé a fidill … Wndought, thou art ordanyt [Maitl. F. ordonit] to not ellis

10. To make arrangements, arrange; to propose, intend, purpose.Const. noun clause, object and infin., infin., or ellipt.Cf. sense 3.(1) 1375 Barb. iii. 188.
And gert ordayne that thai mycht et(2) a1400 Leg. S. xvi. 966.
In place quhare he had ordanyt here … hyme-self to ly Thare layd he Magdelane Mary Ib. xxxiii. 873.
[They] ordenyt prestis thare to be c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 538.
Pretendand that occasioune That in the recompensioune Of the palladinar haue ȝhe Ordeyned that ilk hors to be c1475 Wall. vii. 1159.
Him selff wndyr he ordand thar with all Bownd on the trest … to sit To lous the pyne 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 45.
Thai met the Lord Gray with the bairdit hors … ordaynit to have ourridin the wangaird of the Scottis(3) c1475 Wall. iv. 728.
Thus ordaynyt thai this poyntment to fullfill 1556 Facs. Nat. MSS. III. xxviii.
And hir partie aduersaris hes obtenit his acquittance … and thairthrow ordanis to frustrar our pure lege(4) c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 543 (C).
At the counselle of the prest Cressys … The hors completed was & mayd, As Cressys forow ordeyned had

11. To arrange, appoint, fix definitely, specify (something pre-arranged or settled in advance, as a place or a date). 1375 Barb. i. 358.
The byschop … gert ordayn quhar he suld ly Ib. xvi. 288.
And how scho furth suld caryit be Or euir he fure than ordanit he Ib. xvii. 346.
Till ilk lord and his battale Wes ordanit quhar he suld assale c1420 Wynt. viii. 1577.
Parlement That ordanyd wes and set at Scwne 1424 Acts II. 5/1.
The scherefis [and] the auldermen … sall taxt and ordane the costs of all officiars that sall laubour about this ȝeilde raysing 1456 Hay II. 143/2.
Quhasa dois it [bathing] at poynt the quhilk suld be maid and ordanyt efter the quater temps of the ȝere c1475 Wall. i. 274.
A gret dyttay for Scottis thai ordand than Be the lawdayis in Dunde set ane ayr 1499 Dunferm. B. Rec. I. 104.
It is assingit and ordanit this day xv dayis … to Robert Scharp to bring his warand 1513 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 145.
They locat, limitt and ordanet the market place … in the market day in the Kowgaitt fra the new well to the Grayfreris allenarly 1529–30 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 104.
Quha that breikis the pais … ve ordand … ane penny laif to the dussone 1535 Stewart 60434.
That nane suld vse les or moir large [measures] Na ordand wes be just equalitie

12. To appoint authoritatively or by way of testament; to decree or enact, to charge or command; to give instructions, to bid. Passing into sense 13.It is often uncertain whether examples more properly belong here or rather are to be regarded as instances of previous senses (as 6, 7, 8 b, io) with a following complement.See also Decern v. 2 and Decrete v. 1 for further examples.a. Const. active infin. and personal (quasi-indirect) object, or in passive: To charge (a person) to do something. Cf. also c (2). b. With ellipsis of the personal object: To issue a command or give instructions to do something.a. (a) 1444–5 Peebles B. Rec. I. 10.
Thai sal thar ordane the chapellane … to reperele the hows 1466 Acta Aud. 3/2.
And therfore ordanis him to devoide [etc.] 1471 Ib. 12/2.
Thai ordane bathe the said partijs to compere 1498 Montgomery Mem. 55.
We … ordanis and chargis our justice clerkis to inquer hereof 1518 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 181. 1563–4 Peebles B. Rec. I. 293.
[The council] ordanis the scuillmaster … nocht to gane to hunting … but lescence of the aldirmen 1588 Edinb. Test. XIX. 169.
Ordane 1592 Acts III. 531/1.
[The King] ordanis the lordis of articles to convene ilk day 1626 Justiciary Cases I. 50.
The kirk may … ordane persones to satisfie 1667 Stitchill Baron Ct. 44.
Ordaine 1677 Edinb. B. Rec. X. 297.
Ane act … ordaining them to take the oath … at the lawriatione 1692 Rothesay B. Rec. 485.
Ordaines(b) 1446 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 405.
For the quhilk manrent we ordande the said Alexander to gif the saide Malcolm Mekil Wardris 1516–17 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 41.
We ordand all that is awand thair part of the extentis to payis [etc.](c) 1563 St. A. Kirk S. 187.
The ministry ordenis Mr. Alexander Jarden to tak to his wyf Catrin Kyd 1595 Glasgow Presb. in Misc. Maitl. C. I. 74.
The Kirk ordenis thame to separat thame ane fra wtheris 1621 Perth Kirk S. MS. 12 Nov.(d) 1628 Dundonald Par. Rec. 254.
The session ordeins him to mak his repentance laigh 1653 Lanark B. Rec. 151.
The … counsell ordeines the lyneris … to [etc.](e) 1632 Misc. Spald. C.V. 220.
Ordeanis 1645 Acts VI. i. 408/2. 1665 Peebles B. Rec. I. 398. 1669 Salmon Borrowstounness 85.
Act for bestiall … ordeanes the haill tennants … to cause ther goods … go … upon ther awen head rowmes and not [etc.](f) 1492 Acta Conc. I. 209/2.
The lordis … ordinis the said George of his said … confessioun to bring the said Andro … to the Kingis hienes 1575 Edinb. Test. III. 258.
As to the rest of my seruandis … I ordine my wif & sone to … hald hous to thame quhensoeuir I inlaik 1581 Ib. IX. 66. 1584 Ib. XIV. 51 b.
I … ordinis my spous … to deliuer to Robert Hammiltoun … my hors 1622 Stirling B. Rec. I. 156. 1644 Wemyss Corr. 108.(b, c) 1385 Red Bk. Grandtully I. 139*.
I ordaynyt the forsayde Syr Robert frely to delyvyr [etc.] 1617 Urie Baron Ct. 25.
Ordaineit 1638 Nat. Covenant in Facs. Nat. MSS. III. xcvii.
All magistrats, sheriffs, etc. … are ordained to search [etc.](b) 1375 Barb. xiii. 53.
King Robert … Ordanit … His marschallwith a gret menȝe … For to prik emang the archeris Ib. xvii. 505 (E). 1455 Acts II. 45/1. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1156.
The maist seymly in sale [he] ordanit thame sete 1478 Charter (Reg. H.) No. 471.
The quhilk gifft … we haff ordanyt … our luffit Schir James Flemyng … to delyuer c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 44/30.
All the lawit peple ar ordanit on the Sondaye … to cum to the kirk 1496–7 Acta Conc. II. 65.
It was ordanit to the sade Patrik to cum to Edinburgh the xvij day … of October 1522 Fife Sheriff Ct. 176.
Our said clerk … is ordanit … for besynes he hes ado to remane in Edinburgh 1540 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 168. 1572 Lanark B. Rec. 68.
Quhilk soum wes ordanit James Fary to pey to him c1650 Spalding II. 281.(c) a1400 Leg. S. xxix. 558.
The emperoure … Ordenyt feile men for to fare to sek Sir Placydas 1600 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 171. 1647 Cramond Ch. Lhanbryd 70.
George Innes … is ordeinit to do the lyk(d) 1624 Urie Baron Ct. 54.
The haill tennents … ar … ordeanit to gang [etc.] 1652 Stirling B. Rec. I. 206. a1651 Calderwood VII. 55.
The bishops were ordeaned to have their gownes with lumbard sleaves(e) c1475 Wall. iv. 174.
With wicht Wallace he ordynyt him to pas 1574 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II. 434.
The schirreff deput … decernit and ordinit the saidis personis … to refound … the wictuellis(f) c1475 Wall. vii. 1151.
A wricht he tuk … And ordand him to saw the burd in twa Ib. 1106, viii. 139. 1535 Stewart 19633.
The carraige men … That ardent war the carage for to keip 1630 Elgin Rec. II. 214.
Paull Dunbar ordeant to present his sone for boasting of the beddell 1684 Dunkeld Presb. I. 228.
Mr. John Constable … is ordend next day of meeting to have an popular sermon on Hebrews 12, ver. 14b. 1375 Barb. xx. 65.
The Kyng Robert ordanit till pay The siluir c1400 Troy-bk. i. 86. a1400 Leg. S. xv. 178.
As thai led hym to the place Quhare to deme hym ordinit vas Ib. xx. 272.
Thane ordenyt the presydent To put thai sewine to gret torment 1512 Treas. Acc. IV. 347.
To William Malcum for ane hors price the King ordand to giff him 1517 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 42.
This inquest ordanes to caus tua men [to] walk 1640 Dundonald Par. Rec. 482.
It was ordained to summond Thomas Gibsoun 1647 Strathbogie Presb. 78.
The presbytrie … haue ordained, at the nixt … meeting, to leitt three [people for the church]

c. Const. (1) direct object and passive infin., or in the passive or impersonal, (2) direct object and active infin., (3) noun clause: To charge etc. that something be done or that someone do something. (Chiefly without explicit mention of the person or persons to whom the charge may be understood to be given.)For further examples of (1), see Eschete v. b.Where, in (2), the object is a person, there is often ambiguity with a above.(1) c1420 Wynt. v. 1842.
Ancheses … Ordanyd byschapys for to be Transferyd … fra se to se Ib. 1235, 3246. 1448 Ayr B. Ct. 1 Apr.
Thai haf ordanit … the wyndowis to be made & braddit 14.. Reg. Maj. c. 40.
Sua that it be ordanit to be compromittit in a certane place that is ordanit & set 1473 Acta Aud. 26/2.
The inquisicioune that was ordanit to be takin 1498 Acta Conc. II. 181.
The sade Jonet was ordanit to be kepit in the lard of Gardin place … quhil [etc.] a1500 Seven S. 94. 1526 Acts II. 313/1.
The lordis of artikulis ordanis the acte … to be … cancellate 1526 Yester Writs 132.
We ordend the marchis … to be observit in tymis to cum 1533 Bell. Livy II. 219/24. 1544 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 198.
And gyf euer scho commyttis sic faltis agane, thai ordan hir crag to be put in the gof 1562 Ib. 339. 1582 St. A. Kirk S. 491. 1584 Argyll Lett. 64.
I will and ordane to be adjunit with hir … thir persounes 1592 Elgin Rec. II. 23. 1609 Edinb. Test. XLV. 333.
This I ordane to be ingrossit in my former testament 1610 14th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. iii. 92.
Ordain 1613 Highland P. III. 131.
Men of warre ordained to be listed for that seruice 1627 Justiciary Cases I. 64. 1629 S. Leith Rec. 18.
Mr. Barnard is ordained to haue quarterlie of everie bairne [etc.] 1640 Smith Strathendrick 4.
Ordaynet 1644 S. Leith Rec. 47.
Those who keeps the keys … are ordained to be warnit against Saturday 1649 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 100.
And ordanit be them to be payit 1678 Glasgow Merchants House 138. 1689 Cullen Kirk S. 30 June.(b) 1616 Inverurie 20.
Likewise the buchts ordainted to be biggit at the outfields for milking(c) 1535–6 Selkirk B. Ct. MS. 205 (19 Jan.).
Ve ordand bacht the partes to be varnit be terror of the kyrkis lettres 1538 Crim. Trials I. i. 218.
That ye will ordand me to be lattin to fredome 1566 Ib. *483.(d) 1563 St. A. Kirk S. 187.
Thai orden the said Mr. George to be called to this nixt Wedinsday 1587 Rec. Earld. Orkney 313. 1637 Alyth Kirk S. in Sc. N. & Q. 1 Ser. XII. 45.(e) 1489 Acts II. 222/2.
Oure souerane lord … ordinis the sammyn castell to be callit … Campbele 1574 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II. 435.
The schireff deput … ordinis preceptis of poynding to be derect heirone 1584 Acts III. 301/2.(f) 1603 Moysie 139. Rep. Parishes i.
The conyie wes ordeanit to be cryed vp againe 1644 Acts VI. i. 97/2.(g) 1628 Dundonald Par. Rec. 242.
Ordeinis 1649 Sc. Ant. IV. 27.
Ordeienes 1652 Cullen Kirk S. 19 Sept.
The weiklie lecture was ordeined to be had everie Thursday 1662 Aberd. Council Lett. IV. 219.(h) 1649 Sc. Ant. IV. 27.
The act … was publicly intimat & ordiened to be registrat(2) c1420 Wynt. ii. 243.
He ordanyt the jugis sete To be for that oys the markete 1482 Acta Aud. 102/1.
The lordis … ordanis lettres to pas hereapon in dew forme as efferis 1490 Acta Aud. 134/2.
A decrett … ordinand the said Magrete to broik … the said annuale Ib. 142/1.
Ordinis 1498–9 Acta Conc. II. 293.
The chekker wil hald in this sade burgh … the day that it is ordanit to 1513 Doug. v. ii. 48.
First sal I ordand for my Troianys … Quha hes the swyftast schippis of our navy With al thar fors to stryfe for the mastry 1513 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 86.
Ordanit 1524–5 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 74.
This inquiest ordines Andreu Donnaldsone to rest the lard of the Shawe 1527–8 Ib. 93.
We ordand four men in ilk toun end to waik 1538 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 91.
The prouest [etc.] … ordanis the persouns abouewrittin … till be on horsback with fute mantill [etc.] 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1365.
That blak band … That ordanit sic puir men as vs to mary 1618 Acts IV. 587/2.
Which elne and stowp they statut and ordaine to remaine [etc.] 1622-6 Bisset II. 392/12.
Ordinand 1626 Dumfries Test. I a. 114 b.
I ordaine my wyffe to have the haill inspreth c1650 Spalding I. 226.
It is said the King ordanit hir to get a pensioun out of the bishoprik of Orknay 1653 Peebles B. Rec. II. 9.
Ordeanes 1663 Old Ross-shire II. 77.
Ordeinit ilk boat loadinit with timber pay to the custumer [etc.] 1670 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS. 22 Oct.
Ordaines Samwell Young to remaine in prissoune in the laigh hous(3) 1375 Barb. xi. 278.
We ordane now … That thai pas nocht but gret lettyng Ib. xx. 132 (E).
King Robert gert ordane … Giff it fell that his sone Dawy Deyit … Robert Stewart suld be Kyng a1400 Leg. S. i. 161.
Efterwart he ordanyt swa At all clerkis sic crownis suld ta 1389 Reg. Cambuskenneth 260.
We ordane and demis that the said Robert sall cum [etc.] 1398 Acts I. 211/1.
It is ordanyt that the lieutenande sal tak his dispens & costages in his traualys richt as it wes ordanyt for the Duc of Albany c1420 Wynt. viii. 1505.
Scho ordanyt in hyre testament … That that hart thai suld … ta Ib. ii. 244, vii. 719. 1431 Acts II. 20/1.
The King and … parliament hes statute & ordanit that na salmonde be saulde [etc.] 1456 Hay I. 64/1. 1462 Peebles B. Rec. I. 143.
The court … ordanit that Margret of Fylop auch to be cleide with the sayd caldron Ib. 147. 1471 Acta Aud. 18/1. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 36/33.
He ordanit that thai suld nocht put thare confidence in waurldly thingis 1530 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 27.
The prouest [etc.] … ordanis Jonet Andersone … that scho say na … iniurious language [etc.] 1536 Carnwath Baron Ct. 189.
My lord ourdanis & stattutis that [etc.] 1590 Crail B. Ct. 3 Nov.
It is dewyseit statut and ordaneit that no persone [etc.] 1604 Urie Baron Ct. 3.
The lard and his belȝe ordannis [etc.] Ib. 5.
Ordannit, p.p. 1617 Ib. 24.
Ordaneit 1650 Glasgow Wrights Acts .
Ordained 1667 Inverness Rec. II. 232.
Ordayned 1680 Stirling B. Rec. II. 30.
The magistratis … ordaines that [etc.](b) 1489 Acts II. 222/1.
Our souerane lorde … will ordand that sic cawpis be nocht takin c1500-c1512 Dunb. xlviii. 72.
Scho ordand eik that every bird and beist … sould … compeir 1549 Compl. 96/26.
He ordand that na Scottis man suld duel [etc.](c) a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii. 88.
The king he ordenyt rath That thai suld tak ilke day A schepe 1561 St. A. Kirk S. 75.
It is ordened that [etc.] 1613 Elgin Rec. II. 132.
The bischop and elders ordening that [etc.] 1623 Sc. N. & Q. Ser. 1 I. 23.
Ordeenit(d) 1575 St. A. Kirk S. 413.
Johne Ȝwil … is ordeined that … he resate not in howsald Johne Robertson(e) 1616 Conv. Burghs III. 28.
The saids commissioners of burroues … have statute and ordeanit … that [etc.] 1637 Elgin Rec. II. 232.
Its ordeant that [etc.] a1651 Calderwood VII. 54.
It was ordeanned and published by proclamatioun that [etc.] 1657 Peebles B. Rec. I. 397.
They resolve and ordeane that [etc.](f) 1491 Acts II. 226/2.
It is statut and ordinit [etc.] 1491 Acta Conc. I. 176/2.
He wes ordinit … that he sulde pay all the soumez 1494 Ib. 361/2. 1600 Acts IV. 228/1. 1604 Urie Baron Ct. 5.

d. With ellipsis of the infin. construction or clause. 1375 Barb. xv. 34.
As he ordanit, done haf thai 1399 Acts I. 212/2.
As it wes ordanyt in the forsaid consail ?1438 Alex. ii. 2984. 1475 Reg. Cupar A. I. 202.
Ordand (p.p.) 1459 Peebles B. Rec. I. 132.
Has he that pyndyt the gud lauchfully … as common statut was ordanit 1498 Halyb. 78.
Lyk as he ordand me 1511 Alloway Barony Ct. 6 May.
That he stopit the evinaris … to deill equalie as thai wer ordanit 1552 Reg. Privy C. I. 136. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 1570 (Wr.).
As Reason ordeinde, all obeyde

e. With simple noun or pronoun object or, in the passive, subject. To ordane were, to declare war. 1456 Hay I. 89/14.
Quhethir the Emperoure may ordane were agayne the Pape c1460 Regim. Princ. 269 (Fairf.).
Quhen gret consale … Has ordand strayt iustice 1466 Newburgh B. Ct. 13 a.
That wes ordanid be the delyuerans off the haill waurd off the curt 1475 Peebles B. Rec. I. 173.
Furthwith the nychtburis serste about as grantyt constitut ordanyt and gewyn thair consent and hall lection to the sayd Sir Lowrans … to haf the fyrst seruis that wakis 1475 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 32.
It sall be lefull to the saidis twa craftis … vtheris actis, statutis or ordinancis … to statut and ordane 1549 Reg. Cupar A. II. 65.
Vnder the panis contenit and ordand in our courtis 1567–8 Inverness Rec. I. 160.
Ilk ane of thame sellis schone of darrer pricis nor the ordinancis and statutis war ordanit … to thame 1587 Edinb. Test. XVIII. 65 b.
And this I the said Robert Burrie ordanes for my lattermynd 1640 Mouswald Kirk S. 1 July.
The minister and elderis … did statute and ordaine these actis as efter followis 1655 Blairs P. 171.
If he writt only confirming what F. Mutio did ordeen

13. To determine or decree after due deliberation; to arrange, agree or settle, after discussion; to adjudge. Variously const.(1) 1375 Barb. iii. 334.
Then amang thaim thai thocht it best And ordanyt for the liklyest That the Queyne [etc.] … suld ga … till Kildromy Ib. xi. 275 (C).
Tharfor is gud we ordane now How we may let thame of purpos Ib. v. 305 (E), xvii. 95 (C). 1385 Red Bk. Grandtully I. 139.
To halde ferme and stabyl al thyngis thar determynyt ordaynyt and dune ?1438 Alex. ii. 318.
[They] Ordaned all withouttin sonȝe For the passage of Pharone Ib. 648.
Now ordane quhat euer ȝe will Ib. 2180.
Thay bourded and gamed fast, Thare speche ordaned thay at last. To ‘the King that suld nocht le’ Thay cheisit Betys c1420 Wynt. ii. 1509.
Twa gret ladyis … That betwene thame tuk the cure Off howshalde and off were … As ordanyd wes betwene thame twa Ib. iv. 1828.
Off Rome gaddryd the senage And ordanyd till wndo all Cartage 1446 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 405.
We ordande and concludis the said Malcolm to be man to the said Alexander 1528 Ex. Processes (Reg. H.) Scott v. Seytoun.
Andro … [was] adiugit and ordinit be thair decreit condampnatour to have done wrang in the spulȝeing thairof 1546 Corr. M. Lorraine 161.
The laif of the depechis is ordant and salbe depechit(2) absol. c 1400 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 53.
Sworn to delyuer and ordane evinly for bath the partis c1420 Ratis R. 1159.
Than cum thai to perfeccione … And bringis furth gud jugment Tyll ordan weil of thar assent 1564 Crim. Trials I. i. 448.
Eikand that … the few noumer can nocht ordand [infra becaus the leist of the noumer that can mak ordinance mon be sevine persones]

Const. b. personal object and infin. and c. noun clause: To sentence to suffer a certain punishment or penalty.b. 1538 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 155.
And als thai ordane the said Besse for the amends of the said strublens … to stand in the gowistair 1592 Lanark B. Rec. 109.
As for the faut committed be Katte Sandelandis … ordanis hir … to be put in the govis 1593 Reg. St. A. 766. 1596 Misc. Spald. C. I. 84.
Ordint to be brunt quhill she be deid 1599 Aberd. B. Rec. II. 184. 1601 Elgin Rec. II. 88.
Ordenit 1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. 2. 1626 Elgin Rec. II. 192.
Ordeand ... ordeant 1628 Ib. 205.
Ordeantc. 1629 Elgin Rec. II. 212.
James Layng is ordeant for taking a kist out of a bairnes grave … that he sall ward 48 houres

d. To adjudge to a payment or fine. 1617 Urie Baron Ct. 25.
The haill brosteris in the barrony … ordaneit to ane stein of talloun … for ewery ȝeir they hawe browin