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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.

Strenthen, Strengthen, v. Also: strenthin, -ing, streinthen. P.p. also strenthennit, stre(i)nthned, stryngthnit. [ME and e.m.E. strenthin (Cursor M.), strenkþen (c1450), strengthen (1557); Strenth n. and v.] tr.

1. = Strenth v. 1. 1600 Crim. Trials II 149.
Neuirtheless, his Maiestie, extraordinarlie strenthennit be the mercie of God, stayit him to draw his sword a1605 Montg. Sonn. i 13.
Incres, confirme, and strenthen from aboue My faith, my hope, and, by the lave, my loue 1622-6 Bisset II 281/2.
The tent day eftir His assensioun He send the Holie Goist into thair hartis to strenthin and teich thame all treuth

b. absol. Of doctrines, etc.: To confirm, make stronger (another's belief) (in something). 1596 Melvill 351.
That ministers … stryve to be spirituall and profitable and to talk of things perteining to godlines as namlie, of all sic [sc. things] as may streinthen in Chryst, instruct in thair calling [etc.]

2. To reinforce, support, aid. Also, to strenthen the handis of (another). Cf. Strenth v. 2. 1513 Doug. ii viii 28.
And reskew The men tharin with all help and supple, To strenthing thame war venquyst neyr, we se 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 90.
Rage for interrupting hir plesure, … strenthinit with armour of licentious power 1613 Highland P. III 127.
Quhen he findis him self of new strenthned withe a fresche grouth of this wnhappie weid [sc. the Macgregors] 1654 Nicoll Diary 130.
Thai haid resavit supley by sea … of men … and ammunition … which did much strenthen thair handis 1663 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. I 674.
Your … yockfellow, by whom your hands have no doubt bein often streinthned in the work of the Lord

3. = Strenth v. 3. a1633 Hope Major Pract. II 176.
All compryseings … befoir this statut … to be null … without they wer strenthned be infeftment and reall possessione 1646 Misc. Spald. C. II 240.
Nather shall the executing of the said woman strenthen nor corroborat my right of heretabill bailliarie of the said regalitie of Sanct Androis in prejudice of the said Erle of Errollis right … as Heigh Constable of Scotland

4. = Strenth v. 4. 1450 Edinb. Chart. 71.
We have … grauntit to thaim … leiff to fosse, bulwark, … and uther wais to strengthen oure foresaid burgh 1452 Aberd. B. Rec. I 20 (see Strenth n. 9 b).
Stryngthnit 1578–9 Reg. Privy C. III 81.
To fortify and strenthin the keipar dyke that enveronittis the toun of Annand