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: 1731
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PURPLE GOWN, n.comb. The official gown worn by judges in civil cases in the Court of Session, adopted in 1610. Hence, a member of the Court of Session. See also reid goon, s.v. Reid, adj.Sc. 1731 Trans. Gael. Soc. Inv. XXVII. 203:
The Justice Clark is going very fast . . . I wish that my Lord Miltown and peter Grant may have his Rid and purple gowns.
