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.
Quotation dates: 1562-1684
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Simoniacall, adj. Also: symoniacal(l, simoniacle, simonaicall. [e.m.E. simoniacal (1567), simoniacall (1642); Simoniac n. and adj.]
1. = Simoniac b adj. 1569 Bk. Univ. Kirk I 162.
Adam bishop of Orknay … hath … made a simoniacall change thereof [sc. the thirds of Holyrood] with the rents of Orknay for the same 1571–2 Reg. Privy S. VI 277/2.
[The vicarage of Foddertie … vacant by] simoniacall pactioun maid be Schir Johnne Smyth [etc.] 1606 Birnie Kirk-b. xii.
By symoniacall transsubstantiation they can set out againe the same sanctuary … to be … a necromantical amphitheater 1612 Acts IV 469/2.
Simoniacle 1678 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 326.
There is a flagrant scandall and fama clamosa of an symoniacall paction 1681 Stair Inst. iv i § 30.
[The Lords of Session] are also declared judges in the presentation of ministers, as to the pactions of ministers with their patrons, whether they be simoniacal or not 1684 Fountainhall Decis. I 265.
He did present him to be minister of that kirk, as a simoniacal paction, to the prejudice and dishonour of the Church
2. Of persons: Guilty of practising simony. 1562-3 Winȝet I 7/21.
The inventaris, nurissaris and simoniacall merchandis of the samyn mischeif 1632 Lithgow Trav. i 20.
The bribing hands of the simonaicall minions
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"Simoniacall adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/simoniacall>
