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.
Tessara, Tessera, n. [17th c. Eng. tessera (1647), f. the Gk.] fig. A watchword, token, sign. —1643 T. Hope Diary 189.
I renewit my vow to the Lord, and had this passage, ‘I will not leive ye comfortles,’ … for my tessara 1687 Shields Hind Let Loose 298.
A tessera of our incorporation with them, a test of our submission to them, badge of our compliance … and sign of our approbation 1687 Shields Hind Let Loose 517.
A discriminating Shibboleth, and tessera of owning the present tyranny
