A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Reference, n. Also: referr- and -ens, -ance. [e.m.E. reference (1589), f. Refer v.1 Cf. mod. F. référence.] The act of submitting a matter in dispute to some person or authority for decision or settlement; an issue thus submitted; ? the decision given on the matter.1583 Reg. Privy C. III 581.
Quhilk submissioun and referrance presentlie being acceptit be his majestie [etc.] 1645 Acts VI i 402/1.
Reference in favoures of the Lord Lyon 1653 Soc. Ant. XXIII 306.
Patrick Blaire as shirreff to obtemper and fulfill the commission and referance made to the shirreffs in the decreet 1687 Cramond Kirk S. II 5 June.
The session … refused any treating with Cramond anent the said anwelrent, and denyed any reference thairof to any person
b. ? The giving back, or restoration, (? of a bond). Cf. Refer v.1 8 c.1580–1 Perth Guildry p. 401 (2 March).
Johne Elder … ordinit to … deliuer … sex barrell … of oismond irne … and … Johne Henderson to pay to Johne Elder auch grotis … conform to thair [? gap in MS] and ordinis the referrens to tak effect with the deliuerance
