Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Kirk-leving, n. Also: -leiveng, -lyveng, -living. [Cf. e.m.E. church-living (a 1600).] A church-living, a benefice. — 1592 Reg. Morton I. 181.
My brother in law being presentit … to the place of sessioun quhilk waikis … for observing the custumat order he is preissit to purchase the style of sum kirk leving and … hes obtenit … gude will of the prouestrie of Dalkeith 1596 Dalr. I. 108/19.
Al bischopries the gretter kirk leiuengs and the fatter benifices Ib. II. 163/20.
[Albany] destributet the kirk lyuengs to ilk as he was noble, nocht conforme to his vertue 1600 Edinb. B. Rec. V. 263.
To try the estaitt of the kirk levingis and kirk annuels pertening to this burgh 1607 Ib. VI. 31.
Adam Hall, collectour of the kirk levings of this burgh a1670 Scot Staggering State (1754) 63.
The same day that the superiorities of kirk-livings, … were taken from the lords of erection, and made the king's