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.
Singularité, -tie, n. [ME syngularite (Rolle), singularite (Chaucer), syngularyte (Lydgate), e.m.E. singularitie (1558), -ty (1593), MF singularité (c1398 in Larousse).]
1. Individual character or property; individuality, distinctiveness.c1460 Wisd. Sol. 191.
Al thingis that God has maid ar gud and perpetuall in thare kinde and nature, suppos thai be ay remowand in singularite
b. specif. The attitude or action of dissenting from the opinions of others, merely to be different, contrariness.1638 Rothes Affairs Kirk 5.
Sum only refuised [to use the new service-book] out of curiositie and singularitie a1651 Calderwood I 296.
The partie which sought sinceritie was charged with newfanglenesse and singularitie, contentioun and unquietnesse
2. The fact of being only one; singleness, oneness.1562-3 Winȝet II 41/11.
The singularitie of the ane and the samin persoun euir remaneing in Christe for euir 1564 Perth B. Ct. 152 (15 Sept.).
And as tuiching the singularite of the juge present he is sufficient to cognos in this caus
3. Something of benefit to oneself alone; a personal or private favour.a1652 Dickson Psalms I (1653) 140.
The godly in their prayers are not selfish, nor suiters for singularities, to be granted unto them
4. Remarkable degree or quality (of something).1632 Lithgow Trav. x 482.
I being then a lost man and hopelesse of life, which argued in them a greater singularitie of kindnesse and compassion
b. pl. Notable features or objects; the ‘sights’ (of a place).1632 Lithgow Trav. i 15.
Many have wrote of the singularities of old Rome
