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.
Surceance, -ceans, Sourceans, n. [e.m.E. surseaunce (1523), -ceaunce (a1548), -seance (1579), OF surséance (early 14th c. in Larousse).] (A) cessation or postponement of hostilities, laying down of arms. Chiefly in the phrase surceance of (from) arms. Cf. Surceas(e n. —1570 Southesk MSS 12.
And in the mean tyme ane surceans and abstinens to be takyn, with layenge doun armes on all sides 1570-3 Bann. Trans. 233.
A desyre of sourceans of armes may be had on both sydes 1622–3 Mar & Kellie MSS Suppl. 151.
To treate for the delyverye of Frankindell … and a surceance from airmes for a good long tyme a1651 Calderwood III 98.
That there be a surceance of armes on both sides
