Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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CAUSE, n. Meanings as in St.Eng., but the following phrases are peculiar to Sc.: †(1) for Guid's (God's) cause, for God's sake; sim. for shame's cause, because of shame; †(2) hour of cause, the time appointed for trying a case, the hour of trial; hence fig. a critical or momentous moment; †(3) seal of cause, charter of incorporation; given in N.E.D. but the only example is Sc.(1) Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 139:
For Guid's cause, Helen, will ye a' explain, Or ye'll gae near to turn me in the brain!Per. 1898 E.D.D.:
I have heard an old person say "For God's cause."Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxix.: 
Had it no been for shame's cause, I wad hae kissed her.(2) Sc. 1741 Kames Decis. Court Sess. 1730–52 (1766) 33:
To compear before the Lords the third day of June next, in the hour of cause.Sc. 1822 Scott F. Nigel xxxvii.:
The bride-day, you say, is to be on the thirtieth of the instant month? . . . I will be with you in the hour of cause.(3) Sc. 1845 Stat. Acc.² I. 688:
To this institution [Astronomical Institution] . . . the magistrates made over the ground and building on the Calton Hill; granting them a seal of cause, and all the privileges of a corporation.