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.
OBEDIENCE, n. Also obediens. Adj. obaidient, obedient (Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xliv.). Sc. usage (now arch. or dial. in Eng.) in phr. to mak one's obedience, to show one's respect by a curtsy or bow (Bnff. 1893 in Dunbar's Wks. (S.T.S.) III. 273; Uls. 1953 Traynor). [‡ne.Sc. ə′bed-]Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch viii.:
“If ye'll no take it amiss, sir,” said I, making my obedience.Ags. 1855 A. Douglas Ferryden (1859) 10:
Both old and young put themselves in his way to make obedience to him.Abd. 1879 G. Macdonald Sir Gibbie xliv.:
She . . . made an obedience to the minister, and another to the minister's lady.
