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.
Purpris(e, -prys, v. Also: purpres(s. [e.m.E. pourpryse (appar. only in Caxton) to encompass, embrace, occupy (an area etc.), f. Purpris n.] a. intr. To commit purprision or illegal encroachment. b. tr. To enclose or encroach upon (land) illegally; to annex (land) to (adjacent land). —a. 14.. Acts I 338/2.
Gif thar be ony purprisand in propyr or in comone of the burgh 1485–6 Newbattle Coll. (Somerville).
That the tenandis … vsurppis and purprisis aganis me … superior of this baronry of Cannathane 1497 Acta Conc. II 85.
That ane land and tenement … biggit apone the commone streit … suld … pertene to the kingis hienes as his eschete throw purprusione. … Gif it beis found … that this parti has purprisit as sade is, that it be decernit to pertene to the king c1575 Balfour Pract. 444 (see Purprisio(u)n(e n. (3)).
Purpressis 1622-6 Bisset I 310/31.
Purprysisb. 1500 Reg. Episc. Brechin. I 218.
Becaus the said landis of Reydgothine ar purpresit be diuers nychtbouris to the landis marchand with thaim for inbryngyng … of the samyne and lauboryng of thaim … with husbande men 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. ii 159.
He quha commits purpresture within the kings burgh, tines that quhilk he wrangouslie bigges or purprises
