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.
Tercian, -tian, -sian, Tartane, adj. (n.). [ME and e.m.E. tercian (Piers Plowman), L. (febris) tertiāna, OF tierçain.] Of a fever or ague: Recurring (at approximately three-day intervals). Also absol. as noun.adj. a1568 Bann. MS 119a/49.
For cawld scho tuke the fevir tartane [pr. cartane] 1600-1610 Melvill 137.
A heavie tertian fever … quhilk pynned me extreamlie c1610 Melville Mem. 325.
I was seak of a fever tercian or access 1623 Mar & Kellie MSS Suppl. 167.
Tersian 1624–5 Mar & Kellie MSS Suppl. 223.
His Majestie hes had three fitts of a tertian agew a1680 Blair Autob. 7. 1680 Breadalbane P. (Tours) 2b.
His tertian feaver … lasted only some 4 or 5 weeks 1681 Bonckle Kirk S. 60.
No sermon, our minister being sick of a tertian aguenoun 1600-1610 Melvill 248.
A heavie feat of the tertian overtuk me
