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.
Promiscuous(e, adj. Also: -iscuus, -iscuis; -uscuous; -ixuous; -iscous; (promikuosus). [e.m.E. promiscuous (1603), L. prōmiscu-us.] a. Of dancing: appar., mixed, between the sexes. b. Of an action or arrangement: Indiscriminate, lacking in order or method.a. 1640 Mouswald Kirk S. 1 July.
That thair be no … idle pyping or promuscuous dancing at thair mariage a1658 Durham Commandments (1676) 220.
Add dancing a thing condemned by the people of God as no honest recreation, at least when in companies that are mixed, and (as we call it) promiscous dancing, such as useth to be at marriages, and the like occasions 1658 Kilmarnock Kirk S. in Edgar Old Church Life II 152.
For their lasciviouse and scandalous carriadge, in promiscuouse dancing with men in mutual kissing and giveing ribbens as favours to the men 1658 Rothesay Par. Rec. 5.
Promiscuous 1658 Craven Argyll Diocese 101.
Promikuosus c 1659 Strathendrick 8.
Promixuous 1660 Lanark B. Rec. 177.
The abussis … comitit … by peples interteining of pyperis in promiscuis danceing, men and women togither 1668 Dunblane Synod 59. 1695 Tulliallan Kirk S. in Culross II 203.b. 1655 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 127.
Vnder pretence of eschewing of promiscuous communioune Ib. 128.
That as wee are far from countenanceing anie profane or promiscuus mixtures at such sacred ordinance 1665 Edinb. B. Rec. X 2 (see Promiscuously adv.). 1691 Glasgow B. Rec. IV 16.
Through their promiscuous admission of strangeris to practise chyrurgerie
