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.
Quotation dates: 1703-1816, 1898
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PURCHASE, v., n. Also purchas(s), purtchiz. Sc. forms and usages:
I. v. To procure, obtain, gain possession of, acquire (Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scoticisms 70). Obs. in Eng.Sc. 1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Isles 286:
With these rude Hooks, and a few sorry Fishing-lines, they purchased Fish for their Maintenance.Sc. 1728 Analecta (Maidment 1834) I. 322:
I purchassed him for two years, the use of four considerable MSS. out of my Lord Malpas his library.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (24 Sept.):
Dat sax men niver took wid i' der haands 'at wid purtchiz lines here da day.
II. n. That which one procures or obtains by any means, lawful or otherwise; hence booty, spoil, plunder, gains, casual acquisitions. Obs. in Eng.Sc. 1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Isles 299:
They [two eagles] commonly make their Purchase in the adjacent Isles and Continent, and never take so much as a Lamb or a Hen from the Place of their Abode.Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis:
He lives upon his purchase as well as others upon their set rent.Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs II. 234:
There dwells a Tod on yonder craig, . . . He lives as well on his purchase, As ony laird or knight.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
We still say, He lives on his purchase, of one who has no visible or fixed means of sustenance.Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary xxiv.:
Dousterswivel's brow grew very dark at this proposal of leaving him to his “ain purchase”.
