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.
Prophanité, -ie, Profanitie, -y(e, n. Also: prophantie. [MF prophanité (1492 in Godef.), late (eccl.) L. profānitāt-, e.m.E. profanity (1607). Appar. more common in Sc. than Eng. usage down to the 19th c.]
1. A secular object or concern. (Cf. Prophan(e adj. 1.)1562-3 Winȝet II 60/10.
Gif we sal begin to mixt noueltie with antiquitie, vncouth … thingis with domestical materis and prophaniteis with thay thingis quhilkis ar haly [L. profana sacratis admisceri]
2. Profane conduct or speech; ungodliness, irreligion, impiety, blasphemy; an instance of this, an act of impiety or blasphemy.(1) a1570-86 Arbuthnot Maitl. F. xxx 58.
Knawlege of God is curiositie And wisdome standis in prophanitie [: humanitie, vanitie] 1615 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 58a (4 July).
He … schawis no taikin bot off prophanitie & apostacie 1645 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 427.
Whereas the corrupt custome of lykwakes hath fostered both superstition and profanitie 1648 Dunferm. Ann. 316.
As Janet Robertson still goes on with her lownerie and profanity [etc.] 1649 Acts VI ii 446/1.
The malignant insolences and profanity of many in our armies 1650 Rothiemay Kirk S. in J. Gordon Hist. I App. lvi.
[A fast] to have the launde purged from profanitye 1650 Moray Synod 104. 1662 Peebles B. Rec. II 50.
The prophanite and lousnes that daylie abounds amongs many of the young men and servants 1669 Dunblane Synod 69.
Ther is great profanity committed be some light conceitted persones at night walkes wheir dead persones are 1699 A. Shields Proper Project for Scotl. (1699) 28.(2) 1631 Perth Kirk S. in Spottiswoode Misc. II 310.
The session, being informed of great profanities that customary are used at lykewakes by certain profane persons
3. Desecration of the Sabbath. = Prophanatio(u)n(e n.1694 Falkirk Par. Rec. II 45.
On Sunday [acts of] great prophantie [for example] meeting and talking together … bringing in water from the well, and knocking of bear
