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.
Putative, adj. Also: -if. [Late ME and e.m.E. putative (1432–50), -yue, F. putatif (14–15th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), late L. putātīv-us f. putāt-us p.p. of putāre to think.] That is such by repute though not necessarily so in fact or in law, reputed.1516 Acts II 388/2.
The said pretendit mariage putatiue … wes lauchfullie declarit of na strenth nor effect Ib. 283/1. —a1538 Abell 14a.
Philip King … Alexandris fadir putatif —1556 Dundee B. Ct. III fol. 53 (30 June).
& to Alisone Quhyt and to Villiem Lochmalonye hir spous putatiue 1560 St. A. Kirk S. 38.
Elizabeth Gedde, his putative spous 1560 Prot. Bk. D. Gray MS 19b.
Gif it chance … that the saidis Johne & Margret his spous putatiue be inobedient 1569 Reg. Privy S. VI 120/1.
His pretendit putative spous
