Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BLACK WARD TENURE, n. (See quot.) Arch.Sc. 1822 Scott F. Nigel ii.:
So that you see, sir, I hold in a sort of black ward tenure, as we call it in our country, being the servant of a servant.