A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Unwrittin, -en, ppl. adj. Also: -wrettin, -vretin, onwrettin, onevrettin, -vreetin. [ME and e.m.E. vnwrite, -writen, -wryten (all Piers Plowman), vnwretyn (c1440), vnwrytten (Tindale), unwritten (1577); Writ(t)in ppl. adj.] a. Not committed to writing. Also ellipt. b. Not listed, or inventoried.a. 1456 Hay I 128/26.
The sone suld help the fader, as said is be all lawis writtin and unwrittin 1562-3 Winȝet I 118/10.
Amangis all the traditionis unvretin the maist comone is the sign of the croce and freqvent vse thairoff 1600 Hamilton Facile Tr. 72.
The ministers denyand the vnwrettin word takis auay ane of the … partes of the word of God 1600 Hamilton Facile Tr. 73.
The vnwrettin word is prouin be the vnwrettin doctrine of the apostles 1684 Mackenzie Inst. i 4.
Our unwritten law comprehends the constant Tract of Decisions past by the Lords of Session(b) a1578 Pitsc. I 1/2.
Heir beginnis the historie and cronickillis of Scotland quhilk was left onwrettin be the last translature a1578 Pitsc. I lxxxv.
One vreetinellipt. 1562-3 Winȝet I 115/17.
St. Paull commandit … his traditionis to be keipet, als weil the vnwrittin as the writtinb. 1506 Orkney & Shetl. Rec. I 247.
I ordene discreit men [etc.] … executoris of this testament, the quhilkis sal dispone my geir baytht vrettin and onevrettin
