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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.

Plot, Plott(e, Plote, Ploitt, Ploat, n.¹ [e.m.E. plot (1548), plot(t)e, in senses of Plat n.³, appar. by sense development f. ME. (1377) and e.m.E. plotte, plot, a patch, spot, mark, a patch of ground, hence a groundplan, chart.]

1. = Plat n.³ 2. 1592–3 Warrender P. (S.H.S.) II. 188.
Your majestie hes understand of my declaracioun … the haill plott of the eirand I caryit evin almaist the particularis in twa heidis 1594–5 James VI in Sc. Hist. Rev. XVI. 142.
I have according to my promeise coppied so much of that plotte quhairof I wrotte unto you … as did concerne my sonne 1600 Facs. Nat. MSS. III. lxxvi.
I think best for owr plot that ve meit all at my hows of Fastcastell

b. = Plat n.³ 2 c.In e.m.E. (Shakesp., 1594), perh. influenced by Complot n. 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 77/2.
Thaire coulde be na uaye founde out sa meit for mainteining thaire plottis as paritie in the kirke 1610 Misc. Hist. Soc. II. 187.
At the taking of the castle of Edinborough the last act of that tragedie & vnfortunat plote in anno 1573 1615 Highland P. III. 212.
Yf he wes vpoun the counsell, foirknoulege, plott or devise of the first intaking of the castell of Dunnvaig Ib. III. 273.
The certantie of that conspiracie and ploitt can nevir be cleerlie knowne 1683 Ellon Par. 137.
Ploat

2. = Plat n.³ 3 and 4. 1602 Melvill 548.
By giveing in ane coppie to the kingis majestie of the former plott of planteing of all the kirkis of the realme 1627 Rep. Parishes 10.
The minister is provydit be the plott of old to threiscoir bollis victuall … and [etc.] c1630 Scot Narr. 37.
The clerk register should be requested to concurr with some ministers deput by them to devise a plott for the constitution of presbytries Ib. 47, 48. 1642 Orkney Rentals iii. 11.
Quhat thair stipends are we can hardlie condescend thairupon but it will be fund in the plott of the exchaker 1642 Argyll Synod I. 51.
Because of the largenes of the bounds of the paroaches of Glenurquhy and Inshale, whch are now annexed, as was concluded by the plott 1618