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.
Period(e, n. [e.m.E. (c 1530), paryode (Caxton), a course or interval of time, completion, conclusion, a sentence or the pause at its end, etc., F. période, L. period-us.] a. A sentence or the pause marking its end. b. To bring or put (a matter) to a completion or conclusion. —a. 1601 Denmylne MSS. 43.
Ȝour chiffred letter man be all wretin but ony distinctioun ather of wordis or periodes —b. 1635 Red Bk. Menteith II. 147.
The matter is now brocht to a period 1676 Haddington Corr. 192.
That your lordship will speedily put that matter to a period
