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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Trace, v. Also: tra(y)s, trache. P.t. also treassed. [ME and e.m.E. trace (Chaucer), traise (a1400), trase (a1400-50), OF tracier.]

1. intr. To step, go, make one's way. 1513 Doug. viii v 5.
The prestis … Gan trasying [Sm. trasing] furth togidder in a rowt 1513 Doug. xiii ix 20.
Quhou thai trasyng on the large flurys, Wyth blyth vissage intil euery sted

2. tr. To trace, find by means of visible signs; to follow the tracks or footsteps of. 1513 Doug. ix iv 8.
Thai … draw briggis befor the ȝettis vprasyt, Iunct to the wallys, at thai suld nocht be trasyt [Ruddim. betrasit] a1568 Balnaves in Bann. MS 138b/17.
In luvis grace suppois ȝe trace … Ȝe ma percais cast daweis es c1590 Fowler I 56/233.
I also know how for to trace the fitsteppis of my foe c1590 Fowler I 98/24.
These whome lowe before had with him captiwe led As presoneris, and thame enforst his tract to trace and tred c1590 Fowler I 107/83.
He did mak the sun to stay his foes to tract and trace 1632 Lithgow Trav. i 17.
Still left vntold, something there must be seene For them, who trace our feete, with Argus eyne

b. fig. To outline (a plan, etc.); make (something) clear to a person (in no uncertain terms). 1626 Garden Worthies 46.
Myselfe … On Londons Bridge … To trache thé thare a course of cavelrie, And force thé by thy fall in th' English sight To talke more calmlie of my countrie knights 1633 Lithgow Poet. Remains 111.
First then, for Lords of Session, none should be Call'd Lords … Saue onely two, Lord Chauncelor for his place, And the Lord President; the rest I trace But worshipfull and reverend, they're no more, … And next my shrieue … Must be call'd Lordship … Then [etc.] 1638 Baillie I 61.
They treassed the suggestion to sundry of the supplicants labouring divided supplications, which was generally dislyked

3. intr. To step in dancing. 1513 Doug. xiii ix 108.
Vpstart Troianys, and syne Italianys And gan do … Dansys and rowndis traysyng mony gatis Athir throu other reland, on thar gys

4. tr. To walk, proceed over (a pathway, etc.). 1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas i 5.
Path'd wayes I trace, as Theseus in his neid 1632 Lithgow Trav. ix 412.
I trac'd the fertile soyles of Carindia 1640 Maidment Balfour Ballads 6.
And trac'd the streets with such a gallent grace, As if their worth consisted in their pace