A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Abjure, v. [Late ME. (1480), L. abjūrāre.]
1. tr. To require (a person) to recant heresy; to sentence to recantation.1538 Reg. Privy S. II. 396/1.
Makand mentioun that thai ar convictit … of heresy, of the quhilk thai wer dilatit and abjurit Ib. 408/2; etc.
As Richart Rollok … wes dilatit of certane poyntis of heresy and wes abjurit and convictit tharof 1538 Treas. Acc. VI. 430/1.
Passing with lettres to arreist the mennis gudis in Dunde that wer abjurit 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 19.
Mr. Normond Govrlay wes first abiurit, syne callit, and thairefter degradit for heresie
2. To recant (heresy, etc.).1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 29 (he abjurit his religioun). 1570 Leslie 266 (to abjure thair arrouris). 1639 Chron. Perth 37 (the episcopall government is abiurit).
3. intr. To make recantation.1568 Pref. Lyndesay 5 (outher to abiure or suffer the fyre). a1578 Pitsc. I. 351/1 (he wald nocht abiure and burne his faggat).
