A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Politie, -ye, -ey, Pollitie, n. [e.m.E. polyty (1538), -itie, obs. F. politie (1419 in OED), L. polītīa. (On the potential formal confusion with Policie, see the note to that word. But the quot. from Knox, since this is from a printed text, and that from Maitland, in view of the rhyme, appear to be indubitable examples of this word.)] a. (Civil) government, public administration; good government. = Policie n. 1. b. ? Improvement, development (of land, property etc.) by building or planting. = Policie n. 5 (1) (but other senses of Policie n. seem also possible). —a. 1558 Knox IV 486.
As he gave hym [Moses] charge over the civile politie c1460 Regim. Princ. 142 (Maitl.).
Quhen Rome was regent be wysmen senaturis In iustice and in publict politey [v.rr. polesy] 1570 Leslie 156.
Sua that thair wes als gret quietnes, tranquilitie and pollitie in Scotland as evir wesb. a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. xvi 63.
Mak ws to leif in guid tranquillitie … And … our commoun weill incres That we tak plesour to mak politye [: libertie, nobilitie]
