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

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Strang hald, Stronghold, n. Also: -hauld. [Late ME and e.m.E. strong holde (c1425); Strang adj. 7 and Hald n. 3.] A strongly fortified place, a fortress; ? a fastness. 1545 Douglas Corr. 163.
Till remane … quhill thai wyne the strong holdis, and thaireftir to put garnesones in the samyn a1578 Pitsc. I 70/12.
They wairdit the rest in strang haldis and fortressis a1578 Pitsc. I 83/6.
The king accompanit witht ane airmie past to Galloway, at quhois comming the theiffis and murtheraris tuik sic feir that they fled to strongholdis and strengthis 1578–9 Reg. Privy C. III 79.
The West Marchis of England is plantit with strong hauldis evin to the verray fronteiris c1590 Fowler II 142/1.
Quhairfor the best fortress that can be is to be weill beloved of thy subiects, considdering that a strang hald will not save quhen the pepill is inclyned to do thé an euil turne 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 462.
Alexander M'kdugel makes a stronghold near a linn, impregnable as he thought

b. A fortress used as a prison. 1567 Sat. P. vii 187.
King Euenus was keipit in strang hauld, And deit thair