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.
Signifia(u)nce, n. Also: signifyaunce. [ME and e.m.E. signefiance (c1250), signifiaunce (Chaucer), OF signifiance.] a. Signification, meaning. b. A representation of a shape or form.a. 1456 Hay II 46/18.
Spuris ar gevin him, in signifiaunce that rycht as spuris spedis the horse … rycht sa suld knycht [etc.] 1456 Hay II 158/2.
Signifyaunce 1494 Loutfut MS 29a.
Of thaim that war nocht comprisit here thai may find the signification and the signifiance in the buk that spekis of the propirteis 1494 Loutfut MS 35b.
The differens of the signifiaunce is nocht ellis bot quha wald say Iehn Iehain and Johennet 1494 Loutfut MS 37b.
Pointis chekard loseng has elik signifiaunce bot the differens of namysb. 1494 Loutfut MS. 37b.
Angennies ar maid to the signifiaunce of the flour of bourevische or nere thairby 1494 Loutfut MS 39a.
And the billeis signifiance of closit ker that commonly ar mair lang than braid a1586 Lindsay MS 37b.
The bille is signifiance of closit lettres
