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.
Prophecy, -esy(e, v. Also: -ecie, -ecii, -ezy. [ME and e.m.E. prophecyen (Piers Plowman), profecyen, -ien, prophesyen (all Wyclif). OF prophecier (1245 in Godef.), -phesier, -fecier, -ficier, f. prophecie, -fecie, Prophecy n.]
1. tr. To utter or announce (something) by, or as by, divine inspiration. Passing into: b. To foretell (a future event); to predict.The first two quots. may be instances of 2 below.c1475 Wall. ii 170.
Prophesye out, Scotland is left in cayr —c1515 Asl. MS I 250/16.
Sanct Colme … ordanit him king and prophecit mekle of him & his frendis c1520-c1535 Nisbet I 14.
How saluatiounn in Christ is na newes bot a thing prophezyed of auld 1562-3 Winȝet I 14/18.
The prophetis of it … propheciing leis vnto thaim, sayand The Lord hes said this quhen the Lord hes not spokin 1596 Dalr. I 341/3.
Thomas … prophesiet lyk another Apollo, thingis to cum, be quhat spirit I knawe nocht
2. intr. To speak (of a person or thing) by, or as by, divine inspiration; to speak as a prophet. Passing into: b. To utter predictions, by, or as by, inspiration.a. c1520-c1535 Nisbet I 9.
How Symeon and Anna prophesy of him Id. 1 Peter i 10.
Prophecijt 1562-3 Winȝet I 127/9.
Quhare he propheciis of the hæretikis, that suld forbid mariage a1652 Dickson Psalms II 67.b. 1562-3 Winȝet I 75/13.
All wirkaris of iniquitie, euin thame quha had propheciit … and cassin out deuilis in His name
c. spec. Applied to the expounding or interpretation of the Scriptures. See also Prophecying vbl. n. —c1520-c1535 Nisbet II 165 marg.
To prophesy is to expoynn or interpreit vnto vthirris 1576 in Calderwood III 375.
Of suche as ather sould prophecie themselves, or occupie the secund place of additioun
