Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Prophanar, Profaner, n. Also: prophaner, -air, prophainor, profainer. [CF. MF profaneur (1597 in Warburg) and e.m.E. profaner (1670).] One who profanes; a desecrator, violator, defiler of something sacred, espec. the Sabbath.(1) 1560 Knox II 86.
Lett us never … , O Lord, … declair oure selfis … prophanaris of thy holie name 1562 Knox II 342.
That sayeris and heararis of messe prophanaris of the sacramentis [etc.] … may be seveirlie punished 1588 Perth Kirk S. in Spottiswoode Misc. II 263.
The haill fleshers being … accused … for being profaners of the Lord's table, swearers and banners [etc.] 1591 Bk. Univ. Kirk II 784.
Profainers of the sacraments privat men and wemen givers thereof; … givers of the sacraments according to the papisticall forme and receivers of the samein 1606 Forbes Rec. 520.
That … the holy ministrie ar insimulat … as … prophaners of the chair of veritie 1621 Dumbarton B. Rec. App. 1 4.
Actis anent sweirors and prophainors of God's most holie name(2) 1583 Dalkeith Presb. in Mill Medæv. Plays 169.
Ihone Abell [etc.]; … prophaneris of the Sabboth be Robene Huidis play in Lesswaid 1583 Stirling Presb. in Ib. 289.
Prophanairis 1586 Edinb. Presb. fol. 12 b (20 Sept.).
Brekeris and prophaneris of the Sabboth in … Enneresk 1595—6 Reg. Privy C. V 268. 1604 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 37. 1608 Stirling Kirk S. in Misc. Maitl. C. I 449. 1622 Perth Kirk S. MS 18 Nov.
They ar found prophaneris of the Lordis day 1661 Nicoll Diary 351.(b) 1591 Bk. Univ. Kirk II 784.
Profaners 1596 Ib. III 866.
Profaners [v.r. profainers] 1613 Fife Synod 68. 1649 Brechin Presb. 14. 1687 Newton Community Bk. 4 b.(3) 1596 Bk. Univ. Kirk III 865.
That such [ministers] as be slouthfull in ministratioun of the sacraments and irreverent as profaners receiving cleane and vncleane