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.
Suthe-saying, Suith-saying, vbl. n. Also: sothe-. [e.m.E. soythsayenge (Coverdale), southsaying (1585), soothsaying (a1591); Suth(e n. and Saying vbl. n.2] a. The action of speaking the truth, or giving an honest decision. b. The practice of foretelling the future, an instance of this. —a. c1575 Balfour Pract. 423.
The breve sall be put to the knawlege and inquest of ane assise of lauchful and sufficient men … efter quhais suith-saying and deliverance sasine of the landis sall be gevin … to the ane partie or to the uther —b. 1622 Crim. Trials III 508.
The devyne law of Almychtie God, … aganis the vsearis and practizaris of witchcraft, sorcerie, charmeing and sothesaying 1622 Crim. Trials III 517.
And that can be comptit na suthe-saying quhilk ony man could lykwayis foirtell by ane witche —1569-73 Bann. Memor. 10.
Ane capitane that desyris to vinqueise his enemies shuld vse strenth, … craft … suithsayingis, oathes
