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.
Quotation dates: 1564-1683
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Prosequutio(u)n(e, Prosecutio(u)n(e, n. Also: -itioun. [e.m.E. prosecution (1607), OF prosecution (1294 in Godef.), late L. prōsecūtiōn-, f. prōsequī Proseq(u)ut(e v.]
1. The carrying out of any plan, undertaking or purpose with a view to its completion or attainment.1567 Reg. Privy C. I 529.
Proceding still in the prosequutioun of that rychtuous querrell 1589 Ib. IV 440.
The prosequutioun of hir jornay 1589 Lett. Jas. VI to Bruce 279.
We recomendit … the prosecution of this platt 1620 Melrose P. 371.
For prosequutioun of thair treatcherous … resolutioun … thay treatcherouslie and barbarouslie killed the said Robert
2. The carrying on or performing of an activity, occupation, etc.1598–9 Reg. Privy C. V 532.
Thay wilbe constrayned … to leave af all forder prosequutioun of the said werk [Building of a new bridge at Perth] 1608 Denmylne MSS in Highland P. III 108.
The prosequutioun of ȝour maiesteis seruice in the Yllis by suche meanis as we thoght … least grevous —1607 Denmylne MSS in Highland P. III 102.
He hes tane the seruice in hand … and in the prosequutiouns thairof wilbe drevin to great expens
3. The action of pursuing with a hostile or punitive intention; chasing.In the quot. for 1647, perh. = punishment (cf. Proseq(u)ut(e v. 3 b), but perh. alternatively = arraignment (cf. 17th c. Eng., in this sense, 1631).1567 Reg. Privy C. I 530.
The prosequutioun of the committaris of the said cruell murthour 1582 Ib. III 530.
In the prosequutioun of the saidis thevis and brokin men —1647 Misc. Maitl. C. II 453.
If quarters be susteined, the whole natione … will be guilty of the breach of … ther oath … anent the prosequutione of malignants
4. The action of seeking to gain possession (of something) by taking legal action, or using any other methods permitted by law.(a) 1564 Reg. Privy C. I 309.
Quhilkis gudis … Bodeker and … Boekert causit to be persewit. And in the prosequitioun thairof … the saidis gudis ar put, be inventure, in the handis of certane cautionaris(b) 1590–1 Cal. Sc. P. X 461.
In the prosecutioun of the heavye spoyle of certane guidis 1612 Douglas Corr. 375.
That money being dew, … vseing the laughfull … course of justice for the same, they wer by seuerall warrantis … inhibited and dischairged the prosequutioun of the same, vnder the payne of horneing
5. The carrying on (of legal proceedings).1675 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. IV 660.
Except what he may obtean by prosecution of ane action of improbation 1683 Edinb. B. Rec. XI 78.
Wherin they had debursed considerable soumes of money in prosecutione therof [a lawsuit]
