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.
DE FIDELI, n. Sc. law: “an oath taken by persons on entering on the duties of professions or offices of public trust [and in Church and Trade Guild]. A breach of the oath de fideli does not amount to the crime of perjury” (Sc. 1890 Bell Dict. Law Scot. 305). “This oath is taken by judges and by notaries public on admission” (Abd.16).Sc. 1709 Lumsden and Aitken Hammermen of Gsw. (1912) 23:
John Falconer . . . is admitted freman of this Incorporation and to all the priviledges thereof because he has given his oath de fideli as use is.Sc. 1945 J. T. Cox Practice C. of Scot. 68:
At his appointment [as Clerk of a Church Court] the oath de fideli ought to be administered to him.
