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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.

Avant, Awant, v.¹ [ME. avaunte (1303), avant, OF, avaunter, avanter, f. late L. vānitāre to be vain, to boast.]

1. refl. To glorify (oneself). a1400 Leg. S. xxxvi. 424.
This aganis thaim makis strife, That awantis thaim-selfe of uertuise lif 1513 Doug. iv. Prol. 172.
Quhat nedis avant ȝou of ȝour wykkytnes? Ib. ix. iii. 136.
In cace thai prowd be of the goddis answeris, And thame avant tharof 1560 Rolland Seven S. 81/39.
Net of the Feind, in vengeance ȝe awant ȝow 1562-3 Winȝet II. 77/13.
The wickit praesumptioun of Nestorius … that he awantit him afore al wtheris

b. intr. To vaunt, boast. 1562-3 Winȝet I. 42/12.
Ar ȝe not affrait to auante samekle that ȝe hane Godis Worde for ȝow? a1605 Montg. Misc. P. liii. 1.
Ȝe … will avant ȝour progeny frome Brutus to haif tane

2. tr. To commend, praise. (Cf. Avance v. 3.) a1500 Seven S. 8.
He had … Ane sone baith faire and eligant And of his age richt till awant c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 338.
Thocht thow awant lufe thus in thy curage [etc.] Ib. 367.
I will thy seruice ay awant