A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1601-1615
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Protra(c)t, v. [e.m.E. protract v. tr. (?1477), intr. (1611), L. prōtract- p.p. stem of prōtrahere to draw forth, prolong, etc.] tr. To draw out (time) by inactivity; to waste (time). —1601 Cal. Sc. P. XIII App. 1139.
I men nathing les then to agre this onlie to protrat tym til May, at uhat tym I shal be fre of that ath ve mad to the King of Spain 1615 Denmylne MSS in Highland P. III 182.
He wold protract no tyme bot the cannons should play still
