Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FAMOUS, adj.. Also †fawmous (Abd. 1875 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 181). Sc. Law: of witnesses, of good report, of respectable, unexceptionable character (Sc. 1808 Jam.); in non-legal usage (m.Lth.1 1952). Occas. of things: fit, proper.Lnk. 1709 Minutes J.P.s. (S.H.S.) 67:
The said pursuer adduced dilligence against diverse famous wittnesses.Fif. 1748 in A. Laing Lindores Abbey (1876) 296:
Ordains him . . . in fair sunshine and before a good many famous honest men in the place, to goe to the public Cross of Newburgh.Abd. 1751 J. Cranna Fraserburgh (1914) 47:
The three legs [of pork] libelled which were found to be full of leiper grotts and none of it famous for being disposed to sell.
