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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Execut(e, v. Also: execud(e, exsecut(e, exequute. [ME. execute (Chaucer), L. execūt-, ppl. stem of exequi. Cf. Execut(e,p.p.]

1. tr. To carry out, perform, discharge (a task, action, function, etc.). c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 615.
Gregeois, yharnand with mayn & mud The wachingis for to execud [L. exequi] Of thare fraudfull gyle 1460 Reg. Episc. Brechin I. 189.
That na man attempt … to execut my said office under the pane of law 1490 Irland Mir. I. 39/1.
God will execut his will, punyssand thame that disobeyis 1533 Bell. Livy I. 66/12.
Thai behufit to execute the sammyn [charge] but ony dilacioun 1549 Compl. 5/20.
Ane verteous captain can nocht exsecut ane mair vailȝeant act as quhen [etc.] 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 30.
He … send four of his seruandis to execute ye murthour a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI 62.
It is agreit, that my Lord … shall not challenge, use, nor executt na authoritie of leuetenandrie 1639 Mure Ps. cvi. 30.
But judgement quicklie exequuted By Phyneas the plague did stay

2. To put into effect as required by law. 1447 (1450) Reg. Great S. 71/1.
Al maner of brevis and borowis to execute 1543 Inverness Sheriff Ct. 16.
Johne Roy … presentit ane brewe of our souerane ladies chapell dewlie executit and indorsate 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Pedellvs.
The serjand or beddle of the burgh, quha suld execute summondes [etc.]absol. 1622-6 Bisset I. 234/4.
Anent improvin messingeris executand thereftir

3. To put to death by law. 1572 Reg. Privy C. II. 149.
The saidis declarit tratouris, rebellis, and conspiratouris … to execute and demane to the deathe