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.
Quotation dates: 1709-1732, 1844
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MALA FAMA, n. Also ¶corrupt form mallyfamie. A report of bad behaviour, esp. used in cases of church discipline.Wgt. 1709 Kirkinner Session Rec. MS. (9 Jan.):
The minister reports that understanding there was a mala fama on Margaret Leggat and James Donan he had ordered them to be cited to this diet.Per. 1732 Tack in Atholl MSS.:
Not to Committ any thifts depredationes or pickries nor to harbour or receipt thives or louse persones under mala fama.Fif. 1844 J. Jack St. Monance 32:
Peter Rolly has causit meikle an' nae little din an' dool i' the gude toun; for the whilk mallyfamie, be it kend an' declared . . . .
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"Mala Fama n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/mala_fama>
