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.
Kirking, Kyrkyn, vbl. n. [Cf. e.m.E. churchyng (1523– ).] The churching of women after child-birth or of newly-weds (Kirk v. 1). Also attrib. in kirking-feist. —c1475 Wall. xi. 352.
Quhat gestis he had, to tell thai mak raquest. He said, it was bot till a kyrkyn fest [v.r. ane kirking feist] 1656 Moray Synod 121.
That presbyteries be cairfull to remove superstitione … in kirking of women after child-birth
