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.
Supernal, adj. Also: supernall, -ale. [e.m.E. supernal (Caxton), -all (c1485), OF supernel (1160 in Greimas), L. supernus. = Superne adj.]
1. That exists or dwells in heaven. Also transf. 1490 Irland Mir. I 121/23.
And thus concordit was all the hevinly wertuis & angellis supernale to giddir for mannis help c1500-c1512 Dunb. (STS) lxx 9.
O hie supernale Father of sapiencetransf. 1513 Doug. xii Prol. 50.
The large fludis lemand all of lycht Bot with a blenk of hys supernale sycht 1562-3 Winȝet II 46/27.
That supernal louing of the angelis, quhilk be ane threfald blissing glorifiis ane Lord God
2. That is located or situated in heaven. 1490 Irland Mir. III 89/14.
This power [sc. of absolution of sins] … introducis the man in the companȝe of the haly pepil … and eftirwart in the realme of paradice supernal a1568 Bann. MS 28b/27.
Out of thi he supernall sete Law to discend and wesche our sin
3. That pertains to, and derives its essential nature from, heaven. 1490 Irland Mir. II 115/29.
And the creaturis suld fyrst deserue be merit and gud werkis the supernall and hevinly beatitude 1490 Irland Mir. II 129/1.
And the premiacioun of the saule that is the glor supernal and hevinly ioy remanis als lang as the caus of it remanis
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"Supernal adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/supernal>