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.
Probabilitie, -ity, n. [e.m.E. -itie (1551), F. probabilité (14th c. in Littré), L. probābilitās f. probābilis Probabil(l adj.] The likelihood of something being true or of being realized; probability. —1568 Buch. Indict. 39.
Sche begouth to fynd fault with the house … as that it … wald be the occasioun of rewmes and cattaris althoucht na sic thing apperit or haid ony schaw of probabilitie 1570-3 Bann. Trans. 227.
It is also to be considerit what probabilitie thair is, that hir maiestie wald have [etc.] 1581 Burne Disput. in 1573-1600 Cath. Tr. 162/12.
[John Knox] did sua allure that puir gentil voman that scho could not leue vithout him: quhilk appeiris to be of gret probabilitie, scho being ane damosel of nobil blud, and he ane auld decrepit creatur … except Iohann Kmnox had interposed the pouar of … the Deuil 1646 Lennoxlove MS (The Duke of Hamilton) C1/2106.
There is small probability, nay none at all, that this parliament will declare advantagaislie on the king's behalf 1681 Stair Inst. (1693) iv xlv § 12.
When the judge finds the probability of a point wherein the ordinary probations are not competent, to be eminently probable to be true unless the contrary be proven by a more positive probation Ib. §11.
