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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.

Hounding, vbl. n. [f. Hound v. Cf. Hunding.]

1. Instigation, incitement (to a crime). Also, and in the 17th c. regularly, hounding out.(1) 1582 Reg. Privy C. III. 441.
Of the speciall causing, hounding, sending, art-partaking [etc.] … of Martene Ellot [they] thiftuuslie staw … xxiiii ky [etc.] 1596 Highland P. I. 154.
By the speciall … causing, devysing, counsailing, hounding [etc.] … of the said John Campbell(2) 1587 Aberd. Council Lett. I. 10.
On nawise to be molestit … be the said Johne Leslie nor na uthers of his causing, sending, hounding oute, command [etc.] … quhome he may … latt 1588 Ib. 20. 1629 Black Sc. Witches 7.
That the burning of Lilias Knows houses was occasioned by the pannel's sorcery and by other witches of her hounding out 1673 Justiciary Ct. Rec. II. 155.
That hounding out or command is no condescendance of art and part 1679 Kelso Baillie Ct. 78.
Of his causing, sending, hounding out … or ratihabitione

2. Instigation, setting on (of a dog). 1669 Melrose Reg. Rec. II. 230.
[To pay 30s. for] ilk ane of sex oxen tailles his dog at his hounding pulled away