Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

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”.