Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
OCCASION, n.
1. As in Eng., an event, particular function, specif. in Sc. Presbyterian usage of the celebration of the Lord's Supper, the periodical Communion service (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Gen.Sc., now obsol.Sc. 1761 Mem. W. Smellie (Kerr 1811) I. 85:
I write this on Sunday, in full possession of the house, the family being gone to an occasion.Fif. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XI. 490:
Collections at the two sacramental occasions . . . £6 18s. 5¾d.Ayr. 1821 Galt Ayr. Legatees i.:
They should see about getting him to help at the summer Occasion.Sc. 1849 M. Oliphant M. Maitland xii.:
The Fast Day (. . . a solemnity appointed only by the Kirk in preparation for the Occasion).Lnk. 1880 W. Grossart Shotts 11:
The rural celebration of the communion, called “Out-by Preachings”, or simply “The Occasion”, . . . has long passed away.
2. A chance to befool or ridicule. Phr. to tak occasion o' to take a rise out of (Fif. 1975). Ags. 1895 J. Inglis Oor Ain Folk 80:
Dinna ye try to tak occasion o' the minister.
