Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
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 ex. 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.
