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.
Sokage, n. Also: soc(c)age. [ME and e.m.E. sokage (a1325), socage (1485), soccage (1538), AF sok-, socage, med. L. (Eng.) socagium, sochagium.] A form of tenure, by service, originally chiefly involving attendance at the court of the superior, see Sut(e n.1See also Sok n.1 2.14.. Reg. Maj. c. 53.
He that has fre sokagis & has mony sonis the quhilk al cumis to the heretagis to giddir [etc.] 14.. Reg. Maj. c. 58.
Gif it be alde sokagis diuisyt saufand the cheff tenement to the first gottyn sone [etc.] 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Sokmanria.
Sokmanria or socage is ane kinde of halding of landes quhen ony man is infeft freelie without ony service warde relieue or mariage and payis to his maister sik dewtie as is called petit seriantie 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Sokmanria.
In Magna Carta of England … mention is maid of sindrie formes of halding, viz. free-ferme, burgage, soccage, and knicht-service 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Sokmanria.
Vtheris alleagis that socagium cummis fra socco, sive aratro, affirming that socage is properlie quhen the tennent is bounde and oblished to cum with his pleuch to teill … the lordis landes. Concerning tenures … reade the treatise written be Littleton 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. i 31.
Gif anie man hes lands haldin in frie soccage (in blensch or few)
