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.
Unbecom(e)ing, pres. p. and ppl. adj. [e.m.E. vnbecoming (1598).]
A. pres. p. Not befitting (something).1663 Moray Synod 133.
In respect dancing, playing [etc.] … as the … vulgare ordinarlie use at lykwakes be sinfull, unbecoming the house of mourning 1669 Jus Populi 12.
This was a queree utterly unbecoming such as pretended to occupy the places of lawful judges
B. ppl. adj. Unfitting, unsuitable, improper.attrib. 1668 Justiciary Ct. Rec. I 272.
Such unbecomeing speeches as are usuall in quarrells and picques 1694 Glasgow B. Rec. IV 103.
For ther undewtifull and unbecomeing carriage towards [the magistrates] 1721 Rothesay Par. Rec. 360.
The minister reproving her unbecoming levity in her widowhoodpredic. 1706 Rothesay Par. Rec. 199.
Pains being taken to shew him how unbecoming and sinfull that his rude and insolent cariage was
