Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PLURALITY, n. Also pluralitie. The greater proportion of a number (of things, persons, etc.), more than half of the whole, the majority. Of Sc. orig., later adopted by Eng.Ags. 1702 L. Macbean Kirkcaldy Burgh Rec. (1908) 219:
Captain John Boswall by plurality of votes was found by the said Lord Provest to be commissioner.Ayr. 1710 Ayr. Presb. Rec. MS. (14 Sept.):
Some of the elders of Kirkmichall presented a petition subscribed by a great plurality of their number and one heretor.Sc. 1712 Edb. Ev. Post (8–10 Jan.):
This Day Mr Murray Younger of Stanhope . . . was Re-elected Member of Parliament for this Shire by a considerable Plurality of Voices.
