A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Hensman, n. Also: henceman. [e.m.E. henseman (1548), ME. hensh- (1464), heynce- (c 1440), henx-, henx(s)t- (1377–80), hengestman (1360).] A henchman; a page of honour, or boy attendant on the King.1447 Exch. R. V. 275.
Per liberacionem … domino regi et suis hensmen et juvenibus de camera sua c1450-2 Howlat 650.
Robyn Redbrest nocht ran Bot raid as a hensmanc1460 Alex. (Taym.) 1011.1473 Treas. Acc. I. 17.
j½ elne of rede for harnessing to the King and the hensmen Ib. 56.
To the thre hensmen and the tothir ij childer of the Kingis chalmire [etc.] 1501 Ib. II. 54.
For iij½ elne carsay to be ane cote to litil Halyday, hensman 1526 Ib. V. 278.
Ane luveray gevin … to … the Kingis hensmen 1532 Ib. VI. 36.
[Liveries to] the sax hencemen
