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.
Phiscal(l, n. Also: phisk-, physc-; phisch-; physhall. [Var. of Fiscale n.] A procurator fiscal.See also Procuratour fiscal(l.Orig., appar. ‘the official who had to collect and administer the fines, fees and other payments accruing to the … courts’ (OED.).1629 Hossack Kirkwall 259.
The phiskall [pr. pfis-] desyrit that the pannell might be put to the tryell of ane assyss 1642 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. II. 668.
De phiscall contra landward burgeses 1670 Elgin Rec. I. 312.
James Winchester physcall ordained to caus summond all these to the court 1673 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS. 25 Oct.
John Levingstoun to pay to John Hendrie phiscall fyve hundreth merkis Scots for opening of his shop door eftir he was discharged be the … counsell 1674 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. MS. 2 Nov.
Desyreing him to desiste in ane actione persewed be his physhall against certane burgesses of this burghe 1678 Cullen B. Rec. 7 b (9 Mar.).
The said phiscall … to goe and sight the said moss 1707 Old Ross-shire I. 386.
