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.
Principall, n.2 Also: prinsapell. Plur. principles, principalis. [ME and e.m.E. princ-, prynciple (Wyclif, Trevisa), formed on F. principe (Oresme, c 1380) or L. principium.The Sc. forms in -al(l are by confusion with Principal(l n.1]
A general or primary truth or basic rule, also as a guide to action; a moral principle. Freq. plur.plur. 1456 Hay II 115/9.
Twa philosophouris that first fand the principles of the said science and the secretis 1529 Lynd. Complaynt 380.
The foure gret verteous cardinalis, I see thame with the principalis. For Iustice haldis hir sweird on hie [etc.] 1568 Skeyne Descr. Pest 5.
Heirfoir at this present I sall comemorat the principalis onlie be the quhilkis the rest may be vnderstand 1648 Cuningham Journal 162.
A lately inscrived leading party of contrary principles 1653 Consult. Ministers Edinb. I 43.
According to the word of God and principles of Kirksing. c1590 Fowler II 149/10.
Wold thow then find the maner to cheis wyslie ane servant thow most follow this principall 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 206/8.
Principall 1641 Kingarth Session Bk. 1.
Act anent ignorants of the principall of religion 1666 Dumfr. & Galloway Soc. XV 145.
Altho I thought this cuntrie uer all phanaticks, yett I never did expeckt to have found them so parverse in ther prinsapell, nor so impodend in ther ouning an aversione … to the laus
