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.
OBSERVE, n. Also obsarve. Sc. usages:
1. An observation, scientific or otherwise, a remark, comment (Sc. 1808 Jam.; wm.Sc. 1854 Laird of Logan 301; Sh., Fif., w.Lth. 1964).Sc. 1700 Seasonable Precautions in Electing Magistrates 24:
He should come there to make Observes upon the Treasurer's Accompts.Sc. 1722 J. Monro 50 Religious Letters 130:
I am truly edified by your sweet, pertinent Observes.Ayr. 1743 Ayr Presb. Reg. MS. (23 March) 280:
The Clerk reports he sent into Edinburgh the observes and Opinion of the Presbytry upon the scheme for the intended annuity to ministers' widows and children.Kcb. 1893 Crockett Raiders xvii.:
That observe has been made before.Per. 1897 R. M. Fergusson Village Poet 45:
Granny Spiers said a guid obsarve o' him.Fif. 1933 J. Ressich Thir Braw Days 81:
A real nice chap wis auld Wiggie — mony's the pawky observe he'd let oot.
†2. A sub-division of a sermon, containing an illustrative or explanatory comment on a main topic.Sc. 1833 W. L. Mackenzie Sk. Canada and U.S. 8:
I went to hear Doctor McLeod, a steadfast Presbyterian of the old school. There . . . the discourse is divided and subdivided into heads and observes in true covenanting fashion.
†3. Notice, attention. Phr. to take no observe.Per. 1805 Session Papers, Scott v. Carmichael (1 Oct.) Proof 44:
Can the witness say who were the persons? Answer, She took no observe.
