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.
Perduellio(u)n, n. [L. perduellio, f. perduellis a public or private enemy. Only Sc.] In Roman and Scots law: Hostile conduct against one's country, perduellion. —1533 Bell. Livy I. 60/28.
This law of perduellioun was of maist horribil cryme … quhat euer he was that was gilty thareof was ay adiugit to the deith —1667 Justiciary Ct. Rec. I. 193.
Secundum jus commune which knows no other treason but perduellion and lese-majestie such as rising in feir of weir against the King 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i. vi. (1678) 37.
Treason with us may be divided in perduellion, læse-majestie and statutory treason 1679 Fountainhall Decis. I. 62.
It was in perduellion and so is privileged 1683 Martine Reliq. Divi Andreae 105.
In the case of treasone whether it be perduellion or statutorie treason … the justices are only judges 1687 Lauder Notices Affairs II. 793.
Because they can only proceed in absence against perduellion and rising in arms 1686 Mackenzie Observ. (1687) 136.
Which holds only in treason committed against the Kings person and common-wealth that is to say in perduellion where there is a design against the kingdom … but holds not in simple treason or læse majestie 1695 Cromartie Corr. I. 113.
