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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Mal-, Maleversatioune, -ion(e, n. Also: malvirsatioune, malewersation, malliversation. [OF. malversation (1387), also e.m.E. (1669).] Dishonest, corrupt or oppressive conduct in a position of trust, constituting a breach of one's trust. b. An instance of this. 1549 Compl. 159/14.
Quhen men of autorite … committit thai samyn crymis [of any kind], … the euyl exempil of ther maluersatione prouokyt the pepil til adhere to vice 1640 Balfour Ann. II. 410.
His [the Earl of Traquair's] malewersation anent the proceidinges of the parliament 1644 Orkney Antiq. Soc. III. 61.
In caise of malversatione in his [the baillie's] place be injustice or oppressione of the poore … order may be taken 1669 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. III. 109.
For the forsaids acts of malversatione committed be him under trust 1671 Lauder Notices Affairs I. 22. 1673 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS. 26 July.
He was found guilty of maleversatioune in the collectione of Sir Adam Blairs money 1676 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Deeds II. 30 (9 Nov.).
[Robert Calland, stewart officer … imprisoned … for] malliversation in my office 1678 Fountainhall Decis. I. 24. 1689 Leven & Melv. P. 3. 1690 Cochran-Patrick Coinage II. 229. 1693 Glasgow Chart. II. 247. 1699 Fountainhall Decis. II. 54.
To repress such malversation in corrupting of compt-books after a party's deceaseb. 1638 Rec. Univ. Aberd. 286.
The principall and … regentes … [have presumed] to abolish … the … trew fundation … [and intend] to bring in a new one … both to palliat thair past malversationes and appropriat to thame selffes onlie the whole reveneus 1670 Edinb. B. Rec. X. 71.
Upon this and other palpable faults and malversations committed be the said Mr Robert in execution of his office 1671 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Processes No. 120.
To underly the law for ane malvirsatioune committed be him against Alexander Gordoune of Knokbrax 1680 in Fountainhall Decis. I. 81. 1685 Lauder Notices Affairs 619. 1681 Stair Inst. i. vi. § 25.
It was found a malversation, that the tutor had not made inventory 1687 Edinb. B. Rec. XI. 225.
He … being most innocent of any misapplication of the common good or of any malversation in his office

2. Misuse, abuse (of an office). 1683 Conv. Burghs IV. 38.
The convention declairs the same to be ane malversation of his office