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.
Speculative, -ywe, adj. [ME and e.m.E. speculatif (Wyclif), speculatiue (1555), OF speculatif, -ive (c1265 in Larousse), late L. speculātīv-, f. the ppl. stem of speculārī Speculatio(u)n(e n.] a. In Law: ? Available as a theoretical possibility (in contrast to established practice or usage, cf. Practicat p.p. and ppl. adj. 3 b). b. Involving thought, on a theoretical level (as opposed to practical knowledge). —a. 1520 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III 306.
Be thir presentis me Roberte Irwynne … bindis [gap in text] me and myne aris male lawchfully gottin … perpetualie in the straitaste forme and stile of obligation speculative to … my mastir Alexander Irwyne 1545 Grant Chart. 95.
It salbe lesum the said conthrak to be extendit in the maist vberior forme practitak or speculatiue … as men of law can dewis —b. 1535 Stewart 55459.
Scotus subtilis … all vther did exceid In science, prattik and speculatywe
