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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Studying, vbl. n. Also: stude(y)ing, studieing, studing, studdeing. [ME and e.m.E. stodyyng (Manning), studiing (Piers Plowman), studyinge (1534); Study(e v.] The action of Study(e v.

1. a. The acquisition of knowledge. b. Considering (something) deeply, concentrating the mind, reflecting or meditating (on something). c. Expending effort to do (something).a. a1500 Henr. Fab. 25.
Ane bow that ay is bent Worthis vnsmart … Sa dois the mynd that is ay diligent In ernistfull thochtis, and in studying [Bann. studdeing] c1409-1436 Kingis Q. § 8.
Myn eyen gan to smert for studying a1540 Freiris Berw. 345 (B).
Be that the freir had left his studeing And on his feit he startis vp full stureb. a1500 Sir Eger 402.
But I know by your buskening That ye have something in studying, For your love, Sir, I think it be: But [etc.] 1513 Doug. xii xi 113 (Ruddim.).
Turnus astonate stude doun in studying a1540 Freiris Berw. 330 (B).
And quhylis still he satt in studeing, And vthir quhylis vpoun his buk reding 1618 Trial Isobel Inch 15.
Isobell was put in tortour … quha admirablie … sufferit above threttie stanes of yron to be laid on hir leggis, never schrinking thairat in ony sort, but remaining as gif it was studieingc. 1650 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 606.
By retarding conclusions, by studing to make them ineffectual

2. A period of thought or meditation. ?1438 Alex. ii 68.
That ald beheld the nobill king And sawe him in ane studying [F. il estoit tresmüés et pensis]. Him thocht the dede of Gaudifeir Anoyit him on great maneir a1540 Freiris Berw. 353 (M).
Quhylum he sat still in ane studeying