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: 1460-1615
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Punis(s)ar, Punesair, Punischer, n. Also: punys(s)-, pwnis- and -are, -er. [ME and e.m.E. punyschare (Rolle), punysere (Rolle), punscher (1387, v.rr. punser, punyscher), OF punissere (F. punisseur, c 1335 in Larousse).] One who punishes a. an offender, b. an offence.a. c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 19567.
Alexander … The quhilk was send be hevinlie destanie Of wickit men a punischer to be 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1607 (Ch.).
And vnder God to be ane punischer Of trespassours against his maiestie 1544 Corr. M. Lorraine 98.
Pwniser c1615 Chron. Kings 56.
Becaus he wes ane gritt punisser of … euil doarisb. 1490 Irland Mir. II 121/1.
For thar mone be in the waurld a rewardar of gud operacioun and a punysar of euill werkis 1531 Bell. Boece I 234.
God, the punisar [M. punesair] of wrangis 1533 Bell. Livy I 90/18.
Terquyne … wald be throw his singulare wisdome the mare active pvnisare of thare attemptatis 1533 Ib. 136/24.
That he was the principall punissare of thare offens 1533 Ib. II 71/34.
Punyssare 1551 Hamilton Catechism 59.
Punissar 1596 Dalr. II 473/31.
Punisser
