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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.

Point, Poynt, n.¹ Also: pointe, poynte, pointt, poyntt, poinct, poynct; puynt, pwint, pwynt, pwinct, pouint; pint, pynt, piynt; poynit. [ME and e.m.E. point (a 1225), pointe, poynt (e, poyncte, also poyn (1340), pynt (c 1400), F. point, L. punctum that which is pricked, dot, point in space or time, small measure, particular of a discourse, p.p. (neuter) of L. pungĕre, used as a noun: cf. Punct n.¹, also Pointn.²] A point, in various usual senses and applications.With some senses it is unclear whether they should be regarded as belonging to this word or to the related Point n.².

I. 1. A dot.

a. A mark of punctuation. 1531 Bell. Boece I ii.
Quhare that I haue failȝeit In letter, sillabe, poyntis lang or schort

b. A dot used in mediæval musical notation. See also Punct n.¹ i c.‘Point of division, a dot placed between two short notes in ‘perfect’ rhythm, of which the first is preceded and the second followed by a long note; indicating a division of the rhythm (like the bar in modern music). … Point of perfection, a dot placed in ‘perfect’ rhythm after a long note … to indicate that it is to be ‘perfect’.’ (OED). c1550-c1580 Art of Music 6 b.
Major prolation … Of the quhilk the sing is ane pwint within ane circle or half ane cirkill

2. A separate item in an extended, chiefly a non-material, whole; a particular; a detail.As, an article or section of a written document, discourse or train of thought; a count in an indictment; an element of the theory underlying a craft, profession or the like; etc.(1) (a) sing. 1389 Liber Melros II 449.
Withoutyn … ony obstacle or lettyng in ony point 1456 Hay I 120/14.
And as to that poynt he argewis [etc.] 1488 Lag Chart. 15.
In that point of the serving of their breves 1549–50 Cupar B. Rec. 7 Feb.
That the said Dauidis clame was inept in that poynt quhair he allegit [etc.] 1554 Knox III 166.
In everie ane poynt wer stoir yneugh for ane lang orisone 1597 James VI Dæmonol. (S.T.S.) 17/17.
The ouer great ignorance … moues them to sinne heavelie against their office in that poynt 1600-1610 Melvill 77.
Ther was nocht sic a thing as a careing away of anie poinct with a number of vottes 1678 Lauder Observes 298.
It is a strange custome if all lawiers … should have been halucinat in this poyntplur. 1398–9 Acts I 210/2.
Apon syndry poyntes touchande owr lorde the kyng c1420 Wynt. vii 2882.
Thare wes oure kyng ressawyd well, And hys poyntys ilke delle Tretyd thare and welle spede, And all at poynt and lykyn lede c1420 Ratis R. 856. 1456 Hay I 122/16.
Of the quhilkis sex poyntis, the first is [etc.] Ib. II 152/17.
For generale poyntis of the communitee and othir poyntis of commoun proffit 1467 Acts II 87/1. c1475 Wall. xi 1233. 1490 Acta Conc. I 168/1.
That all thir poyntis be lellyly and trewly kepit Ib. 148/1. ?a1500 Remembr. Passion 558.
Think that our Lord tholit thir pointis and mony ma 1521 Fife Sheriff Ct. 222. 1521–2 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 63.
To be tane of thaim that falyeis in thir poyntis and articulis 1570 Sat. P. xv 124. a1578 Pitsc. I 82/8.
Quhilkis poyntis quhene he could nocht gudlie collour thame he put him self in the kingis will 1587 Prot. Bk. J. Inglis 25 April.
Prouiding that thai obseref … the hedis poynttis & clausis contenit in the said contract 1588–9 Reg. Privy S. in Montg. Suppl. 307.
All and sindrie poynttis, passis, claussis c1650 Spalding II 99.
Traquhair was convict in fyve capitall poyntis(b) 1438 Reg. St. A. 430.
That yhe wald do me law … in thir poynctis that is to say [etc.](c) 1533 Gau 55/28.
Thir ii pwintis ar baith bot ane thing c1550-c1580 Art of Music 46 a.
All barbur and onformall puyntis ar vterly exterminat and repellit. So that musicianis amang the plesand plantis of concordance may find and gadder dywers pwinctis rethoricall to the decoring of harmony(d) 1534 Prot. Bk. Sir J. Cristisone 29.
[The prior annuls all] piyntis and vordis [in that obligation which (etc.)] 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 348.
The said assyis … culd not find na pynt quhairon to fyle them c 1660 Kennedy-Lauderdale Lett. 40.
I found my ability would not equall my desire in that pint(2) c1450 Cr. Deyng (S.T.S.) 52.
A man to rahers to hyme the poyntis of the treuthe 1456 Hay I 16/27.
And techis othir symple folk fals poyntis of the wrang errouris Ib. 177/25.
Nocht brekand a poynt of his sauf condyt c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 2293.
As langand the first point of ȝour trewage a1500 Henr. Fab. 2695.
That is ane poynt and part of fals tressoun c1475 Wall. v 214.
Suppos that it no poynt be of the creide 1520 Edinb. B. Rec. I 200.
Poynct 1530–1 Ib. II 47.
Poinct c1536 Lynd. Compl. Bagsche 107.
Reid this cedull … And euerilk poynt thareof fulfill 1562 Inverness Rec. I 88.
Of the quhilkis poynttis of ayrdome … contenit in the testament 1563 Reg. Privy C. I 251.
For preving of the pointis of his clame a1568 Bann. MS. 222 b/5. 1571 Canongate Ct. Bk. 331.
And admittis the said laist point of the said Jonetis eik to hir probatioun 1575 Inverness Rec. I 244.
Ane brewing caldroun [etc.] … wyth all vther pointtis of heritage quhilkis ane air aucht to haif Ib.
And nayis that the said Donald aucht to haif ony pointtis of heritage bot [etc.] 1590–1 Edinb. Surgeons 13.
The haill poyntis of thair seill of cause 1596 Dalr. II 397/29. 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 81/8.
Ane of the cheif pointis of youre earthlie glorie 1599 Rollock Wks. I 293.
With how greit … demonstration of the spreit he dischargit this point of dewtie 1606 Birnie Kirk-b. vii.
The next point of their personall funerals was [etc.] 1606 Lett. & St. P. Jas. VI 89.
Nayne can ather swa weill tak wp the drift of your maiesteis plattis … eiuen to the utter poynt of your maiesteis blank as he can doe 1613 Elgin Rec. II 135.
He lewche nocht at na word nor poynt of the preitching 1650 Strathbogie Presb. 123.
In collecting the poyntis of the lybell 1670 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 21 May.
Did not only ratiffie … the foirsaid dispositioune in the haill heids and poynts therof … bot also [etc.](b) 1529 Reg. Episc. Aberd. I 397.
To compleit … this owre said obligatioun in all and sundry pwintis thereof 1542 Fraser P. 182.
Pwyntis(c) 1563 Dumfries B. Ct. fol. 194 b.
Examynit vpoun the poynittis of the acclame and libell(3) 1489 Acts II 221/2.
For millaris that settis crelis and nettis in dammys … distroyand red fische … It sall be a poynt of dittay 1497–8 Acta Conc. II 102. a1578 Pitsc. I 219/27. 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 84.
The haill assise … clengis Jonet Leysk of the haill poyntis of dittay laid to hir charge 1611 Crim. Trials III 141. 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i xix 15 (1699) 104.
This is ordained to be a point of dittay, and the unlaw to be ten pound [etc.](4) 14.. Acts I 342/1.
A puynt of thift quhar a mane … thiftuisly distroys ther gudis 1488 Crim. Trials I 1 7.
All the poyntis and articlis and crimez of tressoune contenit in thir our souerane lordis lettrez ?a1500 Steel Roy Robert 32.
And I admit thé nocht as king For certane poyntis of degrading 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 686.
Set of thir pointis of crime now on me laid I may me quite 1564–5 Treas. Acc. XI 356.
James, Erle Bothuile … to underlie the law for certane pointis of lesemajestie 1596–7 Misc. Spald. C. I 90.
Quhilk kynd of seiknes is ane speciall poynt of witchecraft 1628 Banff Ann. I 59.
Confessit poynt of thift and dittay for hir convictioun 1633 Orkney Witch Trial in Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. V 551.
For the pointis of witchcraft, sorcerie, and divination and utheris underwrittin 1657 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. III 57.
Convict for certaine poyntes of theft(5) c1575 Balfour Pract. 508.
Thair ar four pleyis or mutes quhilkis ar callit commounlie the four pointis of the crown, because thay pertene to the king's crown allanerlie, and sould be decernit and decidit in his court, viz. murther …, burning, robberie or reif, and ravisching and deforcing of women 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Iter.
The dittay is the principal …poynt of the iustice aire 1609 Reg. Privy C. VIII 328.
The cryme of witchcraft be ane of the heich pointis of the crowne(6) ?1438 Alex. ii 3589.
To knaw the points all That euer may to that mister fall 1424 Acts Jas. I 84 b.
As of thai poyntis langand till his office 1456 Hay II 10/12.
He was sa wele fortunyt to have knaulage of the poyntis, techingis and properteis of the said ordre Ib. 17/7.
Of the noble poyntis and properteis that efferis to that … ordre a1500 Henr. III 153/82.
The prectik and poyntis of this pottingary 1536 Reg. Episc. Brechin. II 318.
To … exerceis the … maist ingenious poyntis and practikis of his craft 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1882 (Ch.).
The principall point, Sir, of ane kings office Is [etc.] 1553 Carte Northberwic 67. 1560 Rolland Seven S. Prol. 34. 1562 Perth Hammermen 95.
To instruk … the said Thomas in all the poyntts of cutler craft 1566 Prot. Bk. Thomas Johnsoun (S.R.S.) 151. 1629 Black Orkn. & Shetl. Folklore 75.
And for practeising of the wicked and devilish pointis of witchcraft 1650 Brechin Presb. 47.
To examin the saids witnesses upon the severall pynts of the subject respective 1657 Cupar Presb. 180.
He never knew ther minister to neglect any point of his calling by his laboureing of land 1666 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Deeds I 105.
And he sall conceall no point of his trad fra him 1669 Edinb. B. Rec. X 61.
[He] also had used severall points of the chirurgerie by drawing of blood [etc.](7) a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 161.
Ane stiff nego is ane good poynt of law(8) ?1438 Alex. ii 5297.
Na in the avow na in the knicht Is nocht ane poynt of cowardy [F. n'a point de couardie] c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 796.
Ablesteris weill bodin for were That nane wantit ane pint of all his gere a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 392.
That neuer poynt of his prise wes fundin defasit

b. In or at all point (is, in every particular, in all respects, fully, entirely. In no point, in no respect.With at all pointis, point cf. 7 below.(1) 1407 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 65.
And this thynges to fulfill & to kepe in all poyntes 1452 Reg. Great S. 132/1.
In al and sindri poyntis [etc.] 1500–1 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 88.
That the actis of parliament … salbe … keipit in all poyntis in tyme to cum 1529 Reg. Episc. Aberd. I 397.
Pwintis 1560 Rolland Seven S. 5565. 1588 Prot. Bk. J. Inglis 20 July.
He sall caus the same to be done in all poynttis 1606 Inverurie B. Ct. 21 July.
Conforme to the tennour of the said act in all poynctis 1623 Perth Kirk S. MS 14 May.
Scho confest the cure to be wseit in all poyntis except [etc.](2) c1420 Wynt. iv 1604.
Yhit war thai noucht to sicht plesand Na in tyll all poynt sufficiand(3) ?1438 Alex. ii 8505.
Armit at all pointes fetasly Ib. 9648. 1456 Hay I 37/22.
Sa was the citee tane, and destroyit alluterly at all poyntis 1532 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 58.
Thre hundreth men weill abulyeit at all poynttis for weyr 15.. Clar. ii 878.
Inearmit at all poyntis full richlie Ib. 1 425.(4) 1375 Barb. xvi 374.
Fifty … At all poynt armyt weill and dicht ?1438 Alex. ii 7324.
He was courtas … And wysly spekand at all poynt [F. trés bien emparlés] c1420 Wynt. iv 292.
Wytht sykyre syment sadly made … At alkyne poynt perfytly dycht Ib. 2494.
Honest, habyll and avenand At all poynt propyre and plesand Ib. v 4846.
It wes hyr wille The lauch at all poynt to fulfille Ib. iv 677, vii 1155. 1490 Irland Mir. I 12/1.
Serue God at all poynt(5) c1460 Consail Vys Man 92.
Luk thow failȝe hym in no poynt

c. A feature, aspect or instance (of something); a distinguishing feature, mark or characteristic. c1420 Wynt. v 1761.
In all poynt off lychery He lywyt at lykyn fullyly c1450-2 Howlat 769 (A).
As of paradys it a poynt ware 1456 Hay I 110/30.
That it is na poynt of pacience to mak were c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 742.
It haid bene bot ane point of cowardie Ib. 1362.
And oft quhan men cummis ischeand of ane place Thay may nocht sone be put in ordinance Bot sum sall want sum point of gouernance c1460 Thewis Gud Women 133.
It is no point of honestee A gud woman allane to bee [with men] Ib. 137.
It is no point of gud custum a1500 Henr. Fab. 712.
Thow wantis pointis twa Belangand to perfyte confessioun Ib. 958 (Bann.).
This suddane semblay … Havand the poyntis of a parliament [etc.] Ib. 1337.
To heir it was a poynt of paradys a1585 Polwart Flyt. 714 (T).
Thir tua cheif pointis of reasoun wantis in thé 1585 James VI Ess. 111.
It is become … a point of good fellowship … to take a pipe of tobacco

d. A particular matter under consideration, a question, issue. 1560 Waus Corr. 21.
Anent this poinct off the courte ye plais send me sowm risolut ansowr

e. A small detail, a trifling matter. a1500 Colk. Sow i 435.
For this is bot a fantesy And littill poynt of poetry

3. A point in space; a part or division of a larger area.a. A place having position but no extent. Also fig. and Markis point n. 1549 Compl. 49/6.
The pole Artic is bot ane ymaginet point Ib. 50/31.
The point that is rycht abufe our hede is callit zenyth 1610 Reg. Privy C. IX 588.
fig. Howsoevir we are divydit by extent of territorie, yitt our counsellis and labouris … shall alwayes conspyre and meete in one poynt

b. In various heraldic applications.Hede point, ? the principal device or bearing on a coat of arms. 1494 Loutfut MS. 13 b.
And wil ȝhe wit quhat is of pointis & of cartelle quhen the pointis ar of a colour thai ar poyntis … and quhen thair is colour on four pointis … it is cartelle & ar nombrit pointis til xvi and thairupon thai ar eschiquete Ib. 15 b.
And giff it vair a croix that maid the point of the schield or a poill [etc.] Ib. 37 b.
Pointis chekard loseng has elik signifiaunce bot the differens of namys quhilk cummis all till ane; … be the quhilkis pointes the play of the ches is set a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 414.
A stark gallowis, ane wedy, and a pyn, The hede poynt [M. punt] of thyne elderis armes ar

c. One of the squares of a chessboard. ?1438 Alex. ii 3705.
The listis of gold war … The poyntis of emeraudes schynand schyre … The ches of sapheris war a1500 Bk. Chess 2017.
And as the chekker in four sqwar is met And ilk sqwar with viij poyntis is set Ib. 2129.
The knycht … sall pas to poyntis thre Ib. 2111, 2112; etc. 1494 Loutfut MS. 37 b see b above).

d. The astronomical measurement.‘In astronomy, one of the 24 (or 12) equal divisions of the diameter of the sun or moon by which the degree of obscuration in an eclipse was measured’ (OED). 1588 Prot. Bk. J. Inglis 104 a.
The first eclepis on the thrid of Marte of the mone the secund on the xxvi of Awgust at four houris in the mornyng in the xii degre of pissis quhilk Cullane shaddowit sevin poynttis & xxxvi minuttis

4. A position in a course of things, a step, stage or degree in progress. 1615 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 4 April.
[He says] that he is proceiding aganis thame bot tellis nocht at quhat point of proces he is

5. A critical or specific moment in time.a. The moment of time for action or decision; (one's) opportunity. b. A juncture or crisis. (Passing into sense 6.) c. The instant at which something happens.a. 1375 Barb. iv 383.
To hald thame all preue Till that thai weill thair pynt [E. poynt; H. time] mycht se Ib. vii 396.
Till he his poynt saw of the kyng Ib. 132, 388, 500, etc. a1400 Leg. S. xxxi 427.
He … quhen it com to poynt, sad ‘na’ Ib. xxxii 169.
He … bad hyme ga thare-with stracht Til hyre chawmir, quhen he sau poynt ?1438 Alex. i 1409.
And quhan that he his point culd sie Recouer couth he weill his bountie Ib. 1498. 1513 Doug. xii xi 138.
‘Now standis the poynt I am determyt,’ quod he, ‘Eneas hand for hand fortill assaill’ 1548 Corr. M. Lorraine 230.
My lord is at the pointt … and man schortlye declair hym self 1565 Cal. Sc. P. II 205.
Yff be the contrar we hayd anis putt thayme to the poynct to craife peace, all thingis suld haif bene to our behuif 1607 Soc. Ant. XI 413.
This mercury … will becomewhite and then it is the pointe and terme to loose it 1698 Annandale Corr. 161.
For I wil be at a point and shal speeck plain languitsb. ?1438 Alex. i 1460.
Sa rude ane rout … That scheld [etc.] … At that point valȝeit neuer a deill Ib. ii 2761.
Ane riche man … Suld nocht … be our ioyfull for na winning Bot in ane poynt ay glaid and blyth Ib. 3587.
Bot wit … Come in that point to help Ib. i 431, 1331. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1104.
Ane wounder peralous poynt, partenyng grete plight To souer in thi gentrice … And I before saw thé neuer 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 46.
Heir the mater quhilk he had raschel[ie] brocht on wes neir the poyntc. ?1438 Alex. i 2124.
I sall … for the nobill king And for the point of perishing I sie my fallowis [? in] halely 1513 Doug. viii ix 94.
Evander … At lattir poynt quhen thai war to depart Thir wordis spak 1605 Dundonald Par. Rec. 80.
Ane schaif of corn that ves vpoun the point of the lyfe 1636 Lennoxlove MS (the Duke of Hamilton) C1/346.
At the poynt of death 1675 Red Bk. Grandtully I clxv.
Which she did nixt morning … by the point of day

d. A final decision or settlement of some transaction or dispute. (See also 7 g and 9 b.)(1) 1565 Instit. Ct. Sess. 1 a.
And to to put samony sumondis … to ane poynt as may be done guidlie that day Ib. 1 b.
And gif thai [lords of session] begin ane mater and endis nocht the same that day to begin thairat on the morne thaireftir and to put the same to ane poynt 1600 Acts Sederunt (1790) ii 32. 1605-6 Welsh Forty-eight Serm. 139.
Many think … to get leaue to put all their business to a point at the time of their dying 1616 Aberd. Council Lett. I 139.
Heirfoir intreit the maiter be nocht put till a poynt betuixt my Lord Medop … and yow 1619 Ib. 169.
How that matter of the liberteis of burghs of barronie … may be anes put to ane poynt 1622-6 Bisset I 148/20.
Incase of dout or difficultie … the dout … to be put to ane poynt be the lordis Ib. 144/6. 1628 Fraserburgh Kirk S. II 21 May.
That the proces will be prosecuit aganis hir with all diligence & put to ane finall poynt and that [etc.] c 1640 Maxwell Mem. II 277.
For I asuired him that ȝe will nou be pout to ane pouint, for ȝe find ȝour selue to far preiuged alrady be delayis 1655 Argyll Synod II 89.
To take further tryall of the so long continued scandall of adultrie … and to do their utmost to put it to ane poynt without any mor delay(2) 1629 Fraserburgh Kirk S. II 1 April.
Hendrie … and Jenet … desyrit the sessioun to put tham to ane poynt, ȝit thay ar continewit to forder tryall(3) 1590 Reg. Morton I 169.
For sen it is sa far agaitwart I wald it wer at sum point 1615 Crim. Trials III 355.
Finding the said Robert Grahame to be bot ane … leying lymmer, the saidis lordis brocht him to this poynt and … maid him to bind him self and to be content 1638 Baillie I 171.
That frequent grievance of Edinburgh and Glasgow's mercatt on Mononday … was drawne near a good poynt

6. Condition (good or bad etc.), state or case, or an instance of these; also, critical condition, extreme plight, extremity.Freq. in or at (a) gude etc. point . (Cf. F. en bon point .)(1) 1375 Barb. iv 331.
Of him that … In to sic poynt had no mercy Ib. xii 93.
To mete so stith a knycht and sture In sic poynt Ib. xvi 278.
It war pite That scho in that poynt left suld be ?1438 Alex. ii 2310.
That my ȝouthede In sic poynt lufe hes gart me lede That [etc.] c1420 Wynt. ii 386 (W).
For in gret poynt of hunger thai were c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 2301–2.
And say to him langand the tothir point, And [= if] God will keip me haill and in gude point, [etc.] Ib. 3352.
For or thai had thair battalle put to poynt Thai put the formest horsmen [in] sic poynt That thai had no laysere thame till array 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 1242.
And I furth with my mait, Mountit on hors, raid samin in gude point Id. Æn. iv iv 40.
And into gold [his hair to] addres at full gude poynt 15.. Misc. Spald. C. II 191.
Because he knawis quhat point of necessite we stand in presentlye be sic evil auisit persons as [etc.] 1533 Boece 46.
To haue our realme at gude poynt and stabillit Ib. 95.
Thare realme was at waik poynt 1560 Rolland Seven S. 4926.
It come to sic het point of weir That all natiounis in thair contrair did steir 1580 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. I 127.
For bigging … of tua tenementis and ane barne … in als gude estait and als gude poynt as the samin vir 1581 Edinb. B. Rec. IV 203.
Master of the buriale place … to se the sam putt at guid poynt, kepit and ordorit 1611 Fife Synod 23.
The fabrick of the kirk [is] at gude point(2) a1538 Abell 101 a.
Quhen he saw his sonnis in sic ane poynt 1547 Cal. Sc. P. I 17.
[I pray you in future] to writ in ane mair mistik maner, for I am at ane hard poynt 1549 Balcarres P. 307.
That the quenis grace … is at an verray gud point and is als wise and able ane prinses as [etc.] 1563 Reg. Privy C. I 246.
The said kirk is at sik ane point that throw decaying thairof … the wallis in sindrie partis ar revin 1570 Leslie 23.
The king wes put to sic a sharp point that he wes determinit to haif left the realme 1596 Dalr. II 14/26.
Quhen Edward King of Ingland considirit that … Scotland was now at a gude poynte(3) c1450-2 Howlat 256 (A).
Bot to the poynt petuos he prayit the pape To call the clergy with cure [etc.] c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 3936.
Thare was richt money woundit at the cours Bot at the nede poynt thai gat ay reskours 1508 Edinb. B. Rec. I 113.
Without he by the samyn agane at the vttir poynt [etc.] 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. 107.
But I denye that ony gree of wickednes in the earth sall bring thee to that pointe that thou may doe evill without fear 1626 Justiciary Cases I 52.
The necessar fude of meit and drink was haldin fra hir quhill scho was brocht to that poynt [sc. of confession] only in despyte of this pannell

II. In various prepositional phrases, in special uses and extensions of the above.

7. At point . (= F. à point). a. Properly, fitly, aptly, in all appropriate or necessary respects.Cf. also 2 b. 1375 Barb. iii 702.
For wynd at poynt blawand thai had Ib. vi 406.
He wes arayit at poynt clenly Outakyn that his hede wes bair ?1438 Alex. ii 5746.
Avow at poynt [F. a point] that thow nocht be Repruuit c1420 Wynt. vii 2884.
Thare wes oure kyng ressawyd well … And all at poynt and lykyn lede c1450-2 Howlat 139 (A).
The papis harrald at poynt in to present 1456 Hay I 113/32.
Ane gude knycht … suld sett all his study till arm him at poynt and hors him Ib. II 127/4.
And sethis the mete wele at poynt Ib. 143/1.
Quhasa dois it at poynt [etc.] c1460 Consail Vys Man 91.
Serve thi maister weil at poynt c1460 Wisd. Sol. (S.T.S.) 422. a1500 Seven S. 1695.
Thai tursit thai barrellis weile at poynt 1513 Doug. v iii 61.
The remanent … In poppil tre branchis dyght at poynt 15.. Clar. iv 1026.
Justeris … Full weill at poynt inarmitpredic. as adj. b. Proper in bearing; in fit condition. c. In full readiness, ready. Also at all point (and cf. 2 b). d. Ready or just about (to do something).b. 1375 Barb. x 283.
He wes … Curtas at poynt and debonar 1508 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 114.
Thair stoks … weill and honestly put at poyntc. (1) 1456 Hay II 31/33.
Ane othir poynt of the office of knychthede is to halde his armouris cleine and faire and wele at poynt 15.. Clar. ii 1080.
When that he was all readie and at poynt Ib. 1467.
When he thocht everie thing was at poynt Ib. iv 2572, etc.(2) 15.. Clar. i 18.
When he was armit, fair, close and juint, Upon his steid ascendit at all poyntd. a1578 Pitsc. (1728) 229.
Dinner and banquet being past, and the king at point to depart a1605 Montg. Son. lii 12.
My hairt … At poynt to speid or quikly to despair

To be at (a) point with . e. To have reached settlement or agreement with (a person), to settle with. f. To settle or decide (some matter under discussion). g. At a point, settled, decided. Variously const. (Cf. 5 d and 9 b.)e. 1581 Bann. Mem. 323.
To repent me of my synis and to be at a poynt with my God 1584–5 Edinb. B. Rec. IV 399.
That he [sc. a minister] mak conditioun with na man quhill the toun be at poynt with him 1590 Reg. Morton I 170.
Finding my selff this far agaitwart I haif tane occasioune to ryd north to be at ane point with him aither fordwart or backwart 1595 Cal. Sc. P. XI 655.
[That you be] at point [with him before they meet]f. 1600-1610 Melvill 59.
Whow soone the sam [General Assembly] war throuche and at a point with the mater of the polecieg. 1627 Fraserburgh Kirk S. II 3 Jan.
Wntill it war at ane poynt giff he obeyit not 1630 Aberd. Council Lett. I 329.
How willinge … I am to sie that matter at ane pointe 1640 Baillie I 277. 1653 Binning Wks. 626.
I will give myself no rest till I be at a point in this a1681 Cargill Lecture and Sermon 17.
That every one of us where at a point and could give an answer and solution to them

8. In point . a. Const. to or till do something: In a position ready to, just about to (chiefly, undergo some misfortune). b. Const. of (chiefly, a misfortune): On the point of, in imminent danger of.a. a1400 Leg. S. i 74.
Thare feile he wiste That had nocht hard of Cristis layre Bot erare in poynte war to forfare Ib. xxvi 752, etc. ?1438 Alex. i 1746, etc. 1461 Liber Plusc. 336.
This rewm quhilk was in poynt to be tynt and vndone for falt of gouernance a1500 Henr. Fab. 1501. a1500 Rauf C. 20.
In point thay war to parische c1475 Wall. vi 555.
All the ost was than in poynt to fle 1513 Doug. iv ix 93.
Remembring scho was in poynt to de Ib. xi 55. 1535 Stewart 53623. 1551 Reg. Privy C. I 115.
Quhairthrow the puir ar in poynt to peris 1560 Rolland Seven S. 2350.
And is in point to die a1568 Bann. MS. 217 a/11. 1570 Sat. P. xxii 35.
Quhais deuillische dryftis puttis all in poynt to spillb. 1456 Hay I 87/34.
For the parting of him … out of the ost put all the lave in poynt of perdicioun a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 400 (Asl.).
Ewill company … puttis princis in poyntis [Harl. poynt] of perdicioun a1500 Bk. Chess 1473.
For hir luf in poynt of deid he stud 1505 Misc. Spald. C. V 36. Dunb. iv 90.
Quhilk is ruinous and standis in poynt of tynsele without it be … mendit 1538–9 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 263.
Convoying of thame within the hewin quhare thai wer nepit and in point of breking 1560 Rolland Seven S. 7694.
For verray cauld I am in point of swoun 1564 Reg. Privy C. I 273.
Without the quhilk … his actioun … is in point of tinsale 1571–2 Ib. II 128.
Throw occasioun quhairof his said schip is in poynt of scoring and tinsall lyke as in deid gif ony storme succeidis [etc.] 1573 Ib. 189.
Quhairof he hes lyne continewalie bedfast sensyne and in poynt and dangeare of his lyff 1589 Conv. Burghs I 306.
In poyntt of death c1600 Montg. Suppl. xxxiii 57.

9. a. To put to point, also, gude point : To bring into proper or ordered condition, to put into good order; to attire suitably or well; to bring to a perfected state of manufacture or repair.(1) c1460 Alex. (Taym.) (ed.) 3351 (see sense 6 (1) above). 1533 Boece 55.
Regiouns chiftanis pepill and clannys being devidit as said is and all put to gude poynt and rest 15.. Clar. ii 847.
Be all was put to poynt and dune at rycht The day was gone Ib. iv 946.
Hir ladyis war abulȝeit richlie And put to poynt richt weill and royallie a1586 Lindsay MS. 10.
The knychtis … sall disarme thame and wech thair faces and put thame to point to cum and eit with the lord that haldis the feist(2) 1494 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 67.
Quhill the haill wellis be completly endit furnist and putt to poynt as efferis 1513 Doug. xiii vi 33.
The cite, quhilk was disarayt and schent, To put to poynt and ordinans agane 1538 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 90.
To compleitt the wark taikin on hand be him vpoun the croce … and to haif the samyn weill putt to poynt vpoun Fryday

b. To put to point : To bring (a disputed matter or a party or parties in a dispute) to the point of decision or settlement, to settle. Also, to be cummin (= be brought) to point . (Cf. 5 d and 7 g.)(1) 1583 Reg. Privy C. III 611.
That nane sall neade continewallie to attend upoun the Sessioun … bot sic as salbe maid certane to have thair maters callit and put to poynt in ordour [etc.] 1584 Ib. 687.
To … proceid in the decisioun of the saidis caussis of suspensioun quhill the samin be decydit or utherwise put to point(2) 1456 Hay I 271/24.
Quhen … the proces be all cummyn to poynt, redy to the conclusioun

c. To bring to point, to bring to fulfilment. 1587 Reg. Privy C. IV 167.
The said maister wes the abillare to bring his fetcheis to point concerning the disturbance of relligioun

d. (? With admixture of Point n.²) To bring to ane narrow point, to bring to a sharply defined point of decision. 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 110.
In the bringing the mater to sic ane narrow point as outher the mater sall appeir planely befoir ȝour majestie … or ellis the said tickettis fund vane in thairself