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.
DEMIT, v. Also demitt.
1. To lay down (an office), to resign. Also used absol. Orig. Sc. but since 17th cent. also in use in Eng.Sc. 1708 in Earls of Cromartie (ed. Fraser 1876) II. 67:
Her Majestie . . . hopt he wou'd consider better, and not demitt an office in which he was so capable and cou'd doe such service to his countrie.Sc. 1818 Scott Rob Roy ix.:
I advise him to get another clerk. that's all, for I shall certainly demit.Sc. 1932 H. Lamond Sc. Angler 217:
Dr Wallace demitted office as editor of The Glasgow Herald in . . . 1909.Abd. 1828 P. Buchan Ballads II. 127:
My time is come, I maun demit, And frae your company reca'.
2. To allow to go, release. Orig. Eng. but since 16th cent. only in Sc. Arch.Sc. 1829 T. Carlyle Essays (1840) II. 151:
Poor Longchamp, demitted, or rather dismissed from Voltaire's service.w.Sc. 1929 A. A. MacGregor Summer Days 65:
Through the influence of . . . Clan Ranald he was demitted on bail.
