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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.

Moyen, v. Also: moyan, -oun. [Cf. F. moyenner id. and Moyen n.¹ (and Mene v.³).] a. tr. To bring about, contrive, by some means; also, to contrive to obtain. b. To arrange, negotiate, by pre-arrangement, exertion of influence or the like.Variously const.(1) 1560 Cal. Sc. P. I. 541.
[Unless God shall] moyen [by this or the like, good intelligence between these two queens] 1586 Ib. VIII. 609.
[Not doubting but that her wisdom will] moyen [him some relief] 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. (1590) H 3 b (Jam.).
Alwaies yee see this conjunction is moyaned be twa speciall moyans 1600-1610 Melvill 419.
Of that quhilk they behoved to do of necessitie. they wald moyen thanks bathe at his hands and the comoun aestimatioun Ib. 440.
The questioun moyennit at all the synods befor cam in, whither ministers might vot in parliament Ib. 441.
They … perceaving that the breithrings hartes … began to … swidder, for the best part thought it meittest to tak tyme to mollefie and moyen maters(2) 1600-1610 Melvill 568.
And by them that feirit controlment, that wes moyened at the hand of the court to be driftit and delayit 1627 Rep. Parishes 215.
The foirsaid takisman being ane of the commissioners … did sa moyoun it to be

c. intr. to take steps, exert oneself. = Moyen n. 3 b. 1600-1610 Melvill 276.
Thar was na honest … man … bot meined his ceas, and moyenned for it as they might, bot na grace was to be fund at a graceless man's hand