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.
Richt, Rycht, Right, v. [ME and e.m.E. rihte(n, riȝte(n, right(e, OE rihtan, ryhtan, rehtan; Richt adj.] tr.
1. To make whole (a body, or part of a body that is deformed or ailing); to cure of distortion, pain, etc.a1400 Leg. S. xl 1308.
Mystrowand he [sc. God] wald gif me mycht Thi lath lymmys for to rycht 1660 S. Ronaldshay 30.
Be this threid [etc.] … the Lord God lightit, and foale's foote rightit, and put it lith to lith and bone to bone
b. To put right or adjust (badly done work, a weakness in character, etc.). c. To mend (a material thing).b. 1593 Conv. Burghs I 395.
Lord … we … beseik thi maiestie to richt oure vnrewlie affectiouns 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 386.
He who saveth to the uttermost … is still righting my salvation; … I must come with my ill-ravelled work to Christ to cumber him … to right itc. 1640 Dumfries Treas. Acc. 9.
For nailles to right the communioun tables 4 s.
2. In fig. context: To make straight (a way or road).c1420 Ratis R. 527.
Can nan so weill the vays rycht Tyll the first makar … As simpill treuth can
