Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1718-1721, 1808
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†FRIST, v., n. Also frest. [frɪst, also fɪrst (Jam.)]
I. v. To sell on credit (Ayr. 1811 W. Aiton Agric. Ayr. 691); to give one time to pay a debt.Sc. 1718 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 75:
What aft fristed's no forgeen.Per. 1808 Jam.:
Will ye no frist me? Will you give me credit for some time or not ask ready money?
Comb.: frestmark, a period of approbation after a purchase of cattle (Ib.).
II. n. Delay, respite. Adv. a-frist, on credit, given delay.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 32:
All Ills are good a frist. The longer a Mischief is a coming, the better.
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"Frist v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 3 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/frist>
