Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COMPLETE, v. In phr. complete the title, a term in Sc. law: “to take the necessary steps to make a person's ownership of land effective against all comers. In accordance with the Sc. theory of land tenure, these steps involve Infeftment (q.v.) which establishes the real ownership, as distinguished from a merely personal right, and Entry (n.2, q.v.), which establishes the owner's position in relation to his feudal superior. These processes, formerly very complex, have been greatly simplified by modern legislation. While a title to land may remain ‘incomplete' indefinitely, the event of a sale may necessitate its ‘completion'” (Abd.16).
