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.
Viaticum, n. [e.m.E. viaticum (1562), L. viāticum travelling-money.] a. Holy Communion given to one who is dying. b. A sum of money for travelling expenses. —a. 1596 Dalr. I 328/11.
Dauid … fell in sair sicknes … prepairing him selfe to the deith, his viaticum he walde haue had wissing with the haly commounioun … to be refreshed —b. a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI (1804) 100.
He [said] that he wald pas amangs the King's enemies, and talk with the Scottis capitaines … This was very acceptabill to the duke, and thairfoir he gaue him a reasonabill viaticum for performance of this fact 1596–1600 Warrender P. (SHS) II 434.
The king and queyne … sent him hayme to Denemarx accumpaneit honorablie with gentilmen of gude account to ather of whom his majestie gave a reasonable viaticum, for thair going and returne a1650 Row 423.
The Earle of Dumbar dealt many angells of gold pretended for a viaticum, but indeed for voteing
