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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FORSET, v., n. Also forsett. Sc. usages. [fɔr′sɛt]

I. v. To give one too much of anything, to surfeit (Sc. 1808 Jam.); esp. of work or exertion, to overburden, overtax (Ib.).Bwk. 1801 “Berwickshire Sandie” Poems 11:
'Twas there that day that G . . . . . met Wi' unco loss — himsel forsett.

II. n. A surfeit, an excess, as of work (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Sc. 1895 “H. Ochiltree” Redburn vii.:
Lest they should give them too much and “bring on a forset.”

[For-, pref. 2. and 4. + Set. O.Sc. has forsett, to set aside, 1500, to beset, c.1560, O.E. forsettan, to obstruct, oppress.]

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