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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Tho, adv. Also: thoo. [ME and e.m.E. þo (c1200), þeo (Ancr. R.), thoo (Chaucer), tho (Gower), OE ðá, þá, ON þá.]

1. Then, at that time. = Than adv. 1.With past reference except in the first quot., where the reference is to the future.The quot. Doug. Pal. Hon. 1308 (L) may properly belong in Thoch(t conj. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 277 (C).
And tho shall all fulfilled be Ȝoure will, as to ȝow hight haue we c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2598.
And his arme, that was strekit than … to slo Hire fadere, sche held still richt tho a1500 Lanc. 544.
Anarmyt all, as tho it was the gys a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 106.
This auld Calchas, efter the law was tho, Wes keiper of the tempill, In quhilk Venus and … Cupido War honourit a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 440.
For waillit wyne and meitis thou had tho Tak mowlit breid [etc.] 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 1308 (L).
Ascend galand tho [E. than] for fere I quuke 1513 Doug. i Prol. Contents.
Turnus … Segis New Troy, Eneas tho absent c1564 Lennox Mun. 247.
Declare to his honour, thoo in his reapare furtht of France [etc.]

2. After that, subsequently; thereupon. = Than adv. 2. c1409-1436 Kingis Q. § 12.
Me thoght the bell … Said to me, ‘Tell on, man, quhat thé befell.' Thoght I tho to my-self, ‘Quhat may this be?’ 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 92.
Quod I tho, ‘how lang sall I thus foruay?’ 1513 Doug. v viii 59.
The ȝonkeris tho of Troy and Sycilly Gan starting all on fut delyvirly 15.. Clar. i 108.
The king in armis resavit him tho, Saying [etc.]