Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†IDIOTRY, n.
1. In Sc. law: = Eng. idiocy, the inability of anyone to conduct his own affairs owing to mental weakness. Cf. furiosity, s.v. Furious.Sc. 1700 Fountainhall Decisions II. 88:
Anna Aird, his nice and nearest of kin to him, raises a reduction upon the head of fatuity and idiotry. . . . Our law, by the 66th act 1475, had prescribed a certain form of trying idiotry and furiosity, viz. by a brief out of the chancery.Sc. 1769 Erskine Principles i. vii. § 28:
No verdict of idiotry could be brought as evidence, in the reduction of deeds granted by the idiot prior to the date of the verdict.Sc. 1811 Scots Mag. (Nov.) 874:
The service of a brieve of furiosity and idiotry, raised by John Gregson of Holy Island, and others, against James Trotter, Esq. of Belchester.Sc. 1893 A. J. G. Mackay Practice Ct. Session 500:
The brieves of furiosity and idiotry hitherto in use are abolished [since 1868].
2. Folly, idiotic behaviour.Sc. 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 100:
To emancipate the Catholics in order to destroy their religion . . . is pure idiotry.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 244:
To dauner awa into the moss, far frae the carfuffle and idiotry o' a thochtless worl', . . . that is to me a happiness indeed.
