Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LIBERATE, v. To set at liberty, release, esp. from arrest or prison. This usage was considered to be a Scotticism in the 18th c., though found in Eng. where it is now rare and obsol. (Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scotticisms 50). Gen.Sc. Pa.p. †liberat(e).Sc. 1722 W. Hamilton Wallace xi. iv.:
In all my Victories I here declare, Priests, Women, Children, always lib'rat were.Abd. 1746 Hist. Papers Jacobite Period (S.C.) 269:
The Governours having Considered the Confessions of the saids David Russel … and Alexander Fleming, Appoints them to be Imprisoned untill liberat by proper Authority.Sc. 1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scot. 78:
Persons committed, or about to be committed for trial, are entitled, under the act 1701, c. 6, to be liberated on bail, provided the crime charged against them is not capital.Sc. 1956 Renton & Brown Crim. Procedure 94:
If the accused person has been liberated on bail and fails to appear.
