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.
Retractabill, -able, adj. [e.m.E. (1620) that may be disavowed. Cf. Retretabill adj.] a. That may be revoked or rescinded, = Retretabill adj. b. ‘? Inclined to be shy or reluctant’ (OED); ? reluctant to part with. —a. 1622-6 Bisset II 65/24.
That the sentence … be nocht reducabill nor retractabill —b. 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 26.
I set pen to paper, drawing from the distaffe of the Retractable Muses, a poeticall pamphelet
