A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Sift, v. Also: syft. [ME and e.m.E. sift (Cursor M.), OE siftan, syftan.] a. tr. To pass (meal, sand, etc.) through a sieve, in order to separate the finer from the coarser grains. = Siff v.; to separate, select (good grain, etc. from bad). b. fig. To separate out (from), as if by a sieve. c. intr. To use a sieve; to carry out the process of sifting.a. 1472 Reg. Cupar A. I 167.
The sede that grouys in the toun to syft it and purge it sa that al thing be put to profit 1529–30 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 18.
John Anderson werkman bringand in the sand fra the cartis to the fald and syftand and myngand the samyn 1531 Bell. Boece I lv.
[The ancient Scots'] vitallis wer nocht siftit, as we do now, to mak thaim delicius to the mouth; bot wer all ground togidder under ane forme 1619 Rutherglen B. Ct. I 15 Nov.
Ane peck of meill siftit be the myller a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1831.
Ye sleip as dogs dois when wyfes sifts meill 1633 Orkney Witch Trial in Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. V 546 (see Sif(f n. 1 (1) (c)).b. 1653 Strathbogie Presb. 238.
The speiker removed and his doctrine sifted, the most part of the brethren were not satisfied 1697 Sc. Ant. XIII 78.
To sift the non-burgesses from the poor listc. 15.. Wyf Awcht. 25.
Sen that ȝe will husye skep ken First ȝe sall sift & syne sall kned
