Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
REPLY, n. Sc. Law: a counter-answer by the plaintiff to the answer of the defendant, the third step in common pleadings, a replication. Sometimes however this is called the answer in which case the reply is the second rejoinder by the defendant. See Quadruply, Triply. Obs.Sc. 1734 J. Spotiswood Hope's Practicks 30:
To help the Pursuer, another Alledgance is wanting, which is called a Reply, because by it the Exception is, as it were, folded back, and opened up or resolved.Sc. 1761 Session Papers, Grant v. Brodie (8 Dec.) 1:
Replies for Sir Alexander Grant of Dalvey, to the Answers for Alexander Brodie of Lethen.Rxb. 1825 R. Wilson Hist. Hawick 18:
Replies, duplies, o'er money plies lined the pockets of counsel, and emptied the pockets of the citizens.Sc. 1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scot. 851:
In inferior court processes, the defences or answers to the summons, or original petition, are followed by replies, in which paper the pursuer must meet each averment in the defences.
