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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.

Improve, v. Also: impruf, improwe. [e.m.E. and late ME. improve (c 1449), OF. improver, improuver (14th c.), L. improbāre. Cf. Impreve v.]

1. To disprove, prove to be false or invalid. In (a) legal, and (b) general, use.a. See also to reduce and improve, Reduce v. 1489 Acta Aud. 140/1.
He micht except agane the sammyn & impruf the sele tharof be the witnes contenit thairintill 1596 Breadalbane Ct. Bk. 148.
They being confrontit, ather of thame may prowe or improwe the foirsaid corn be witnes or thair aith 1622-6 Bisset I. 215/3.
Quhatsumevir pairtie proponis falset and takis on hand to improve any charter or uthir wreit 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i. xxvii. § 5.
To produce the writ called for, to be improved 1681 Stair Inst. iv. xx. § 23.
If there be but two witnesses, if the one improve … , the writ will be improved as null rather than forgedb. a1578 Pitsc. II. 60/1.
Ane bischope most be … such as cleveth to the trew word of doctrene that he may be abill … to improve that they say aganis him 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 22 b.
They … vsis fals applications of gods vord to improue Christis real presence in the sacrament 1623 Cath. Tr. 264.
They cannot possibly improue any point of the Catholike Religion out of the same expresse word

2. To condemn, disapprove of. c1590 Fowler II. 31/31.
Quhair matrimonie thou improuis, & chastitie wald persuad Ib. 67/28.
Sharpely and vehementlie to haue improvit the same