Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

(Fire-,) Fyre-bitt, n. [Fire n. and bitt, a butt.] A crate containing combustible matter to be set on fire as a signal or beacon. 1627 Aberd. B. Rec. III. 17.
The most commodious pairt for setting up of ane fyir bitt to give notice to the countrie peple of the approtcheing of foran enemeis 1631 Conv. Burghs III. 328.
Ane petitioun … for ane fyre bitt vpone the Ille of the May 1673 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 287.
The councell … , to the effect … advertisement may be given to the cuntrie round about, ordanis the fyre bitt at the chappell to be in readines