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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.

Legat, v. Also: -ate. P.t. and p.p. legat, -ated. [North. e.m.E. legate p.p. (1533), e.m.E. leggett pres. t. (north., 1546), legate, L. lēgāt- p.p. stem of lēgāre to send as ambassador, to delegate, and, to bequeath.]

1. tr. To leave as a legacy, bequeath.(a) 1584 Edinb. Test. XIV. 91 b.
The residew of all my gudis & geir I legat & dispone to my thrie sonnes 1596 Misc. Bann. C. II. 220.
Tua hundreth merkis … quhilk I … legewis [sic] and legattis to be dottit to the hospitall of the said burgh 1643 Edinb. Test. LX. 254 b.
I leave legate and bequaife to Mr David Heret … the sowme of iij^c merkis 1675 Aberd. Council Lett. V. 460.
Secretary Reid did legat 6000 merks for the maintanance of the Bibleothecar 1681 Echt-Forbes Chart. 160.
Such legacies and bequeathments as it may please the said … to legat or bequeath to hir 1695 Fountainhall Decis. I. 686.
Power … to dispone, legate or assign 1200 merks as she pleased(b, c) 1578 Edinb. Test. VI. 135 b.
He legat to his naturall sone … ten pundis to pay his prenteis fe 1681 Fountainhall Decis. I. 162.
He legated his moveables to his relict by testament 1688 Lauder Notices Affairs II. 854.
Some jewels … legated to her by the Countess of Lauderdale

2. To appoint or delegate by will. 1580 Edinb. Test. VIII. 66 b.
I legat & ordane Andro Gray my sone & apperand air and Margaret Skrymgeor my spous to gif & deliuer ȝeirlie to … my mother aucht bollis beir