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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.

Subscriptio(u)n, n. Also: subscriptione, subscripcioun, -ion(e, subscripsioun, subscripcon, subsryption. Pl. also subscriptionnes. [Late ME and e.m.E. subcrypcyoun (Lydgate), subscripcion (1542-3), -tion (1547), OF subscription (13th c. in Larousse), L. subscriptiōn- a subscription, signature.]

1. A signature; a person's name as written at the end of a document, etc. by himself or a proxy as a validation of the document, etc. Also, subscription manual (see Manuale adj. 2).For further examples, see Sign(e n. 9 and Signet n.¹ 1 c.Cf. also the Index to 14.. Acts XII, and the Index of Matters to 1681 Stair Inst. 1456–7 Reg. Dunferm. 341.
In witnasing herof my selle togidder with the subscripcioun of the said Huchoun Ker notar to ther presentis ar affixit and to put 1480 Acta Conc. I 63/2.
Like as he is commandit be our souerane lordis speceale lettrez be his subscripcion and vnder his signet 1482 Bamff Chart. 33.
The said Scher James has geffin his seill witht the subscripcion of his awne hand 1482–3 Acta Conc. II cxxi.
Acquittance of ilk ane of the said obligationis schewin under the subscriptioun of Maister James Lindissay 1492 Thanes of Cawdor 156.
Writin at Lochcanmor under our signet and with the subscriptioune of our hand 1496–7 Acta Conc. II 50.
He knew nocht the subscripcione of the sade umquhile Maister Jhone 1507 Charter (Reg. H.) No. 709.
To this my letter of discharge … I hawe appensit my seill togidder with subscriptioun of my sone in taikin of his consent 1512 Reg. Privy S. I 365/1.
His tresonable fenȝeing of the kingis subscriptioun 1525 Acts II 295/1.
That … na faith be gevin … to ony obligatioun … without subscriptioun of him that aw the samin … or ellis geif the party can nocht wryte with the subscriptioun of ane notar 1534–5 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 130.
Ye sall … receyve thair compt of the said werk … and retour the samyn undre your subscriptionis to us … James R. 1565 Perth B. Ct. 305a (13 April).
Ane sesing of the samyn vnder the note sign & subscriptioun of William Ramsay 1568 Hosack Mary Q. of Scots I 524.
She caused mak a printing irne and vsed the same in all thingis in place of his subscriptioun 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 35.
Promeis being neglectit ayth violat subscriptioun set at nocht 1578 Glasg. Univ. Mun. I 119.
Gif ony sik charter berand his subscriptioun may be schawin, the same is fals and finyeit 1586 Jurid. Rev. IV 300.
Subsryption 1615 Highland P. III 235.
Subscripsioun 1618 Reg. Great S. 708/1.
Pro simulatione lie counterfaiting subscriptionis lie handwrytt and subscriptioun 1631 Justiciary Cases I 166.
The chirurganes testimoniall … testifeing be thair subscriptiones him to be mutilat of his rycht leg 1638 Henderson Serm. 27.
We have oblished ourselves, by our subscription already; what then needs us to obleish ourselves over again by our oath?

2. The action or an act of appending one's signature; the signing of a document. 1558-66 Knox I 275.
Immediatlie after the subscriptioun of this foirsaid band the lordis and barons professing Christ Jesus conveined … in counsall 1592 Acts III 586/1.
Concerning subscriptioun of the signatures of the new infeftmentis of temporalities

3. A declaration of assent to certain principles, expressed by signing one's name.Chiefly, of the signing of the National Covenant of 1638. 1638 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 47.
An act discharging all subscripcon to the Covenant 1638 Nat. Covenant in Facs. Nat. MSS III xcvii.
The article of this Covenant which was at the first subscription referred to the determination of the Generall Assemblie 1642 Strathbogie Presb. 27.
The brethren finding themselfis to be ludified with aequivocall subscriptiounes a1650 Row 500.
The Marques of Hunteley obtained more subscriptions to the King's Covenant in the toune and shyre of Aberdeen and Bamff or any other c1650 Spalding I 94.
[They] gat mony subscriptionis of ministeris and laickis to thair covenant