A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pretent, v. [e.m.E. (1494): cf. Pretend v. and L. prætentāre to hold before oneself etc., freq. of prætendere Pretend v.] tr. To aspire, aim, strive (to do something). —1552 Aberd. B. Rec. I 280.
Becaus the last elekit [lords of Bonaccord] did aye pretent to surmont in thair predecessouris in thair ryetous and sumpteous banketing c1590 Fowler II 100/9.
The Roman churche … by sic diuision pretented to mak theme selfs in the temporaltie mair great and mightier
