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.
Switching, vbl. n. [e.m.E. switching (a1625); Switch v.] The action of beating or flogging with a switch. —1681 Stair Inst. iv xl § 26.
There are variety of cases of just fear; as, 1. When the deed is done … by positive acts of force, … especially with weapons invasive, which will not reach to switching, unless it be long continued; for vexation may be more intolerable than death, although the single acts be inconsiderable
