A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Rubbar, Robber, n. Also: rubber, rubar(e; robbour, robar, -er. [ME and e.m.E. rubbere (c1175), robbare (Ancr. R.), -er (c1250), robare (Prompt. Parv.), AF and OF robeor, robere (12–15th c. in Grandsaignes), robbere, rob(e)our (OED).] One who commits robbery; a pillager; a pirate.(1) 1513 Doug. x xiii 48.
With … all harnes rent … Of ȝondir rubbaris [Ruddim. rubaris] body 1533 Boece 100b.
Erare ane larone and rubare than ane governoure 1566 Reg. Privy S. V ii 203/1.
Pirattis, sey thevis, rubbaris, pilliaris 1567 Sat. P. iv 191.
Gif rubbers ring, na subiect salbe suire 1571 Bann. Memor. 144.
Hes thow not menteaned … oppen rubbaris, natiue theivis, and commoune breakeris of the godly peace 1586 Reg. Privy C. IV 72.
Robert Jamesoun induellar in Air haveing ane cumpany and equippage of rubbaris and pyratis in his awne schip … pilleit and rubbit him [sc. a Dublin merchant] of his haill merchandice [etc.] 1596–1600 Warrender P. (S.H.S.) II 430.
Wha … had ressavit skayth be the incursions of Inglish rubbers of Tyndaill [etc.](b) 1456 Hay II 46/7.
That na robbouris na thevis na murderaris umbesett the wayes to reve na strouble lele merchandis [etc.] c1575 Balfour Pract. 196.
And it happin the samin wad to be stollin be theivis, robberis or brigantis a1578 Pitsc. I 83/37.
That he wald punische murtheraris theiffis and robberis(c) 1558 Peebles B. Rec. I 248.
Aduertisment of ony danger occurris to the tovne, be incursiones of thevis, robaris, or Inglismen 1653 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. III 61.
Andro Folor rober and uther robers his complissis 1683 Reid Gard'ner's Kal. 12.
Straiten the passage by putting on the hecks to secure from robers(2) 1539 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 95.
With the quhilkis James Coittis schip wes furnyst with to seik certane rubbaris of thair schippis
