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.
Usurping, vbl. n. Also: usurpinge, -eing, -yn(g. [e.m.E. usurping (1521), vsurpyng (1550).] The action of appropriating unlawfully, encroaching or infringing on (another's authority, office, place or prerogative). Also const. apon (a privilege, etc.) and aganis (a person).(1) 1538 Aberd. B. Rec. I 452.
[The deacon of the hammermen] allegiand wrang don to thaim be the ameraris in usurping of thair place in the processioun of Corpus Xri 1562-3 Winȝet I 39/9.
Nor ȝit … desistis fra vsurpinge sa hie ane office 1562-3 Winȝet I 21/3.
That ȝe aluterlie desiste fra the vsurpyng of ane vther mannis office, quhill ȝe be lauchfullie callit thairto 1566 St. A. Kirk S. 270.
Sua the saidis pretendit minister [etc.] … ar na wayis jugis competent to cognosce in this caus havand na power tharto … bot onlye usurpit in hie contempt of the … quenis maiesteis autorite … protesting gyf ye, allegit minister [etc.] … procedis forder heirintill … that ye incur crym of leismajeste for the usurpyn of your pretendit autorite 1613 Dunferm. B. Rec. II 106.
Having … consideration of the … complaints of David Car armorar agains Gilbert Car lorimer his brother for usurping and melling with his said craft 1655 Dunkeld Presb. II 421.
Mr. James Strachan … referd to the synod for usurping the place of the ministrie of Dunkeld 1657 Peebles B. Rec. II 43.
John Hay, tailyeour … for usurpeing the libertie of ane burges, in working within toun, and in making of ane lye(2) 1492–3 Acta Conc. I 287/1.
Apon the defrauding of the kingis hienes in his custome & vsurping apon the fredomez & priuilegis of the said burgh(3) 1580 Aberd. B. Rec. II 39.
The enormities committit … in taking of the schuill, vsurping aganis the maister and magistrates [etc.]
