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.
Sufferar, -er, n. Also: sufferrar. [Late ME and e.m.E. suffrer (c1450), sufferer (1579); Suffer v.] a. One who suffers pain, injury or tribulation. Also const. for (a cause). b. One who suffers the punishment of death; an executed criminal. c. One who permits something (undesirable) to be done; one who countenances wrongdoing.a. (1) 1638 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 131.
The Commissioner answered … If … they would yet macke [him] further to be a sufferer and a loaser, seeing he hath done the pairt of ane honest man … why will ye not suffer him to depute his sone in his place 1661 Red Bk. Grandtully II 166.
All my indevours and expenses hau at lenth brought me the honor, and lenthe, to be recorded a sufferer 1682 Peden Lords Trumpet (1739) 7.
One of you sufferers that is bred in Christ's school in throw in Clydsdale yonder(2) 1661 Dunkeld Presb. II 330.
For alsmuch as Mr. David Drumond hath bein a great sufferer for his sacred Majestie and his royall Fatherb. 1649 Black Cal. Witchcraft 933/2.
[Manie was] dilaited guiltie be Agnes Clerkson, lait sufferrar for the said crymec. 1560 Bk. Disc. 188.
Quhair idolatrie is mayntened or permitted … thair sall Goddis wraith reigne not onlie upone the blind and obstinat idolater but also upone the negligent sufferaris
