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.
Unresponsable, -ible, adj. [17th and 18th c. Eng. unresponsable (a1661), unresponsible (1710); Responsabill adj., Responsibill adj.] a. Not subject to the law; unable to pay one's debts. Cf. Unresponsal(l adj. b. ? Of low status or standing or ? a further example of a. —a. 1619 Conv. Burghs III 89.
[To] ressave sum satisfactioun in recompence of thair pairts quha is deid, or denyit his … debt, or past furth of the cuntrey and becum vnresponsable 1620 Conv. Burghs III 108.
[The commissioners] in full recompence of the saids persones quha ar deceist and becum vnresponsable [granted to Thomas Speir the sum of £200 Scots] —b. 1634 Jedburgh B. Rec. 28 Nov.
Lat no person … set any of their houses or buiths to unresponsible persons
