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.
Social(e, adj. and n. Also: sociall. [e.m.E. sociall (1620), social (1667), F. social(e, L. sociālis.]
A. adj. 1. Of persons. a. Friendly, well-disposed to or with others, also without const. b. Sexually willing.a. 1533 Boece 199.
Vnder coloure of amyte he was slane be tresson of Alect … feneȝeing to be sociale with Carance in all his affaris 1562-3 Winȝet I 45/15.
The proude schismatikis and obstinat heretikis, na wayis sociale to the companie of Christiane Catholiks 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 50/6.
Be præsise in effect, but sociall in shaub. 1562-3 Winȝet I 110/17.
Gif a man or woman … haifand thair party impotent throw seiknes or throw obstinat mynd nocht social
2. Of living: ? Friendly, co-operative or ? within or as a part of society (cf. Sociable adj.).1598 James VI Basil. Doron 140/2.
Lauis are ordainid as reulis of uertuouse & sociall liuing, & not to be snairis to trappe youre goode subiectis
3. Of war: Arising within a society or social group.1549 Compl. 87/14.
The social ciuil and intestyne veyre that rang sa cruelly throucht our cuntre 1549 Compl. 167/8.
There vas ane vthir sort of battelis amang the Romans, callit battellis socialis, that is, quhen tounis of ane cuntre makkis veyr contrar vthirs, as of diuerse tounis of Germanye and Ytalie
B. noun. A companion, associate.1632 Lithgow Trav. x 426.
O socials! we're not ignorant of losses
