Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Henes, Heenes, n. Also: henas, heines. [f. He a. Cf. Hey-, Hienes.] Highness.

1. As a complimentary title used of or to a king, queen, or regent. (With the possessive.)(a) 1405 Douglas Corr. 63.
He, excellent … prynce, likit to ȝour henes to wyte me haff resauit ȝour honorabile lettres to me 1463 Lennox Mun. 76.
To ȝoure henes and to the thre estatis of this present parliament [etc.] 1482 Bamff Chart. 32.
In conjunct fee … to he haldin of the Kingis henas as thai now hald 1499 Douglas Chart. 167.
The Kyngis henes has grantit … his fre remissione and pardoun [etc.] 1508 Reg. Privy S. I. 243/1.
Becaus of … gude and thankfull service done to his henes 1530 Grant Chart. 267.
The kingis grace … to gif the said James al … clame that his henes hes … to the said landis a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. clxxiv. 58.
Bot wald thi henes … eik the numer Off senatoris(b) 1405 Douglas Corr. 65.
And qwhat yhe wochesaff of your heenes to do [etc.] 1472 Lennox Mun. 90.
The Kingis Heenes 15.. Clar. i. 1120.
Clariodus inclynit to the King, Thanking his Heenes(c) 1626 Antiq. Aberd. & B. IV. 256.
Be vmquhill King James the First, … his Heines darrest foirgrandsiris grandsir

2. Exaltation; dignity, majesty. 1533 Gau 49/31.
He is set in greit power and henes