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.
Ludibry, -ie, n. [L. lūdibrium; also e.m.E. (1637), otherwise appar. only Sc.] a. Mockery, derision. b. A ‘mockery’ or contemptible imitation (of justice). c. concr. An object of mockery, a laughing-stock or butt. —1602 Colville Parænese 157.
The ludibry or lauching stok of fortoun 1631 Red Bk. Menteith II. 137.
I sie nothing carvit for me but ludibrie and contempt 1678 Brown Hist. Indulgence 272.
So the making a show … of getting a call from the people after the ground of the relation was already laid, was the exposing of that order of Christ's to ludibry 1679 Lauder Notices Affairs I. 243.
Thus ended this circuit, being but a ludibrie [Fountainhall Decis., ludibrium] and shadow of justice c1680 McWard Contendings 346 (Jam.). a1721 Wodrow Hist. (1833) III. 225.
This step of Mr Cargill's hath been matter of much reproach and ludibry to the enemies of the Church of Scotland
