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.
Oursoum, n. Also: owr-, or- and -sowm(e, -sum. [Our adv. 8 and Soum n.2 Cf. also Oversoum.]
a. An animal or a number of animals in excess of what constitutes a ‘soum’ (Soum n.2). b. The keeping of an animal or animals in excess of the allotted ‘soum’ (Soum n.2) or a fine or payment for this.1463 Newburgh B. Ct. 10 b.
The samyn day the orsummys wes cunttyt in the ferst John Phylp xiiii Wyl Stob vi 1480 Acta Conc. I. 72/1.
Sa that thai [lands] be nocht our lade with our soummez vtherways than thai suld of reson 1480 Exch. R. IX. 30 (see Inleseu n.). 1526 Carnwath Baron Ct. (ed.) 54.
The quhilk day my l. foloit the men of Throwburn for owrsowmis 1527 Ib. 60.
To the inqueist James Denns & Jame Hwntar for owrsowm the inqueist findis na owrsowm Ib.
Thai find xx scheip & ane hors restit for owrsowm 1592 Breadalbane Ct. Bk. 23.
For the wrangous halding of ane oursowme in the landis 1598 Paisley B. Rec. 212.
Robert Wilson [etc.] … to keip the toun ky … for threttie four merks money with ane oursowm to be peyit to thame at thre times … and gif thay be apprehendit to ressave ony mair ky upon the comoun nor wes sowmit … thair sould be allowit for ilk kow … the sowme of xxvj s. viij d. 1662 Peebles B. Rec. II. 52.
Inflictes upon John Plenderlaith … for keeping and pasturing oursowmes upon Caidmures, tuentie merkes Scottes 1656 Ib. 34.
