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.
Theatre, n. Also: theatry, -rie, -er, -ure, teatre. [ME and e.m.E. theatre (Chaucer), teatre (Wyclif), theatrey (1567), theater (1587), OF teatre, theatre, L. theātrum.]
1. An open-air theatre used by the Romans in ancient times.1513 Doug. i vii 20.
Ane other end fast by, Lays the fundament of the theatry [L. theatris fundamenta], And otheris eik the huge pillaris grete … Fortill adorn that place … quhar gret triumphe suldbe 1513 Doug. v vi 7.
Amyd the vale, in maner of cyrkyl rownd, A playng place was markyt on the grond, Syk as that clepyt beyn a theatry [L. theatri] c1520-c1535 Nisbet Acts xix 29.
The citee was fillit with confusioun, and thai made aan asawt with aa will into the teatre [Vulg. theatrum], and tuke Gaius and Aristarch, men of Macedonie, fellowis of Paule
2. transf. and fig. Something performed in a theatre, drama.1571 J. Maitland in Sat. P. xxvii 121.
The throne of tryall and theatrie [Maitl. F. 437/97 theatre] trew Is for to reigne, and rewle aboue the rest … Sen thow art in the princes plaice possest, Luik to be praisitt as thow playis thy pairt
3. A stage or (covered) platform, esp. one erected temporarily for an occasion.1513 Doug. iv viii 128.
Orestes … On theatreis [L. scaenis], in farcis mony one, Rowpyt and sung how he his moder fled 1685 Edinb. B. Rec. XI 135, 136.
The counsell appoynts … the theater that is presently ordored to be erected at the cross … and appoynts the theature to continow covered with carpets and a table to be pute therin covered with confectiones and that wynes be provyded … at that solemnity that is to be at the theature at the drinking his majestie King James the Seventh his health 1685 Lauder Notices Affairs II 615.
Wherupon [sc. on receiving news of the King's death] a theater is immediatly erected at the Crosse of Edinburgh … and then the crosse and stage being covered with arras hangings; the Chancelor … proclaimed James Duke of Albany the … king of this realme
