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.
Ut(t)erance, n.2 Also: utyrrans, wterance. [Late ME and e.m.E. vtterans, vttranse (both c1400), vttrance (Lydgate), utterance (1567), f. as Outrance n.]
1. At (the) utterance: a. With the utmost energy, force or vigour. b. To the utmost (of one's power). c. At a premium, used to the uttermost. d. In earnest.a. 1460 Hay Alex. 4813.
Ane citie was callit Gordioun … Thay kest it doun and stroyit it at vterance 1513 Doug. v iv 75 (Sm.).
With all thar force than at the vterance, Thai pinglit ayris wp to bend 1644 Hume Douglas (1644) 30.
Hee used them so gently, which he would not have done if he had taken it [sc. the castle] at utteranceb. 1513 Doug. xii ix 126.
Euery man for hym self, as he best mycht, At the vtyrrans of all hys fors gan fyghtc. c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 505.
That round, rinkroume wes at vtteranced. 1494 Loutfut MS 110b.
Be it on horsbak or on fut at vterance or for plesance
2. a. To put (another) to utterance, to put to death, slay. b. To do (one's) utterance, to do one's utmost (upon another). c. To the utterance, to the utmost extremity, to the ultimate degree (of an undertaking).a. 1513 Doug. x vii 169.
Feil bodeis of Troianys, That war not put by Grekis to vtyrrans [Ruddim. vterance]b. 15.. Clar. iii 1582.
I … can no resoun have nor sufferance Whill daith upon me do his uterancec. a1578 Pitsc. I 87/30.
Ane confideratioun … that the iniurieis done to ony of them … sould be equall pertiall to thame all … and to spend thair lyffis landis and geir to the wterance of the samin
