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.
†CIVILEER, n. (See first quot.)Lnk. c.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 122, Foot-note:
Any person found taking a walk [on Sunday] ran the risk of being taken to the guard-house by the “civileers,” who were inquisitors appointed conjointly by the Town-Council and the kirk session.Ib. 22:
Two Civileers, having more zeal than knowledge, came upon him and said, What's the matter Sir, you go not to the kirk?
