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.
Sumptuary, -ie, adj. [e.m.E. sumptuarie (1600), sumptuary (1650), f. as Sumptuar,adj.] Pertaining to expenditure, with a view to curbing excess. Also, specif., the Sumptuary Act, an act of parliament of 1672, based on earlier acts which had attempted to prescribe appropriate forms of dress related to rank, status, income, etc. —1644 Cochran-Patrick Coinage II 123.
Much may be sayd … annent … the putting of sumptuary lawes in execution 1673 Lauder Notices Affairs I 83.
Manna Kinloch … conveined before the Lords of Secret Councill, for breaking the Sumptuary Act, regulating apparell 1673 Stirling Common Good 80b.
To John Hamiltone for proclaming the Sumptuarie Act … 12 s.
