A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Peruse, v. Also: par- and -us, -wuys, -ewsse. [e.m.E. peruse (1479). Cf. med. L. peruti to use up (1317 in Latham), also Pervise v.]
1. To use up.a1561 Norvell Meroure 28 b.
The giftes thou me gaue I haue abused And contrare thy command haue them parused
2. To read through carefully; to examine thoroughly; to consider in detail.1540 Soc. Ant. II. 392.
The baillies to require the maister of the college to perwuys and correct the faltis within it a1585 Maitl. Q. lxxxiv. 2.
Let thame the same [book] peruse with diligence a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 1057 (Wr.).
For all the proverbs wee perusde Yee thought them skantly skild 1590 Cal. Sc. P. X. 411.
To the end ye may beathe parewsse and aquent her majestie with the same c1600 Montg. Suppl. iv. 22.
Present it Sua that ȝe wald reid and pervs it 1638 Henderson Serm. 480.
It is a strange thing of us that we cannot learn to peruse our weapons right in this warfare and even a principal one of them whilk is the word of God
