Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BACK-LETTER, n. (See quot.) Bnff. 1790 Session Papers, Packman v . Mitchell (24 Jan. 1793) App. 26:
It is reasonable that I have a back-letter from you telling that I can reduce the bargain when this process dyes or wears over.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff. 9:
Back-letter, a letter or bond which nullifies another letter or bond given to serve a special purpose.Rnf. 1953 Bulletin (13 May):
She agreed to convey the house to William. In return, she said, her brother-in-law gave an undertaking in a document called a "back letter" to give her full use of the house and to maintain her for the rest of her life.s.Sc. 1837 Wilson's Tales of the Borders III. 390:
I'll gie ye a back letter that I winna use't unless I'm obliged to pay yer father-in-law's debt.
