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.
Statesman, n. [e.m.E. states-man (1592); Stat(e n.] A person involved in the political affairs of the state; one holding office. —1633 Aberd. Council Lett. I 383.
Ordanes … Paull Mengȝeis … Provest … Patrick Leslie ane of our Baillies and Walter Robertson our Towne Clerk … to attend … with the remanent states men of this kingdome upon his maiesties coronatione 1638 Johnston Diary I 295.
Thou prayed earnestly for the Lords direction … to the hol meiting about this main poynt anent Edinburgh Declaration, or the information of the hol busines to be trusted to the staitsmen 1643 Ancram & Loth. Corr. I 152.
He is a man not very closse for a states man 1683 Fountainhall Decis. I 233.
This was … a great document to all statesmen of the lubricity and instability of their offices 1685-8 Renwick Serm. 176.
Both corrupt statesmen, and corrupt kirkmen
