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.
(Thare-ben,) Thair-ben, adv. Also: ther-ben. [ME þar bin (Cursor M.); Thar(e adv. and Ben adv. Cf. Tharebut adv.] In the inner part of a house or building; within there. See Ben adv. 1 b for further examples. Also transf. in the poem. —a1568 Jok & Jynny 21.
My berne … hes of hir awin … Ane kirn ane pin that ȝe weill ken Ane pig ane pot ane raip thair ben a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 598.
He is weill bodden ther ben that neidis nather borrow nor lend 1604 Acts Sederunt ii 36.
For removing of that impediment of proceeding in the Utter-house, (that the procurator is thair ben) it is appointit be the saidis lordis that [etc.] —transf. 1560 Rolland Seven S. Prol. 165.
Becaus strange termes I want I haue na dout, bot heir thay sall be skant. … I wait ȝe ken For to bring but its ill thats not thair ben
