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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SEMPLE, adj., n. Also sempil. Sc. form of Eng. simple (Abd. 1863 G. MacDonald D. Elginbrod xii.; Per., Lth., Fif., Ayr. 1915–26 Wilson Rxb. 1942 Zai), most freq. applied to persons without rank or birth and gen. in phr. gentle and semple, gentry and commoners alike. Gen.Sc. See P.L.D. § 58. 1. and I, letter, 2.Sc. 1759 Session Papers, Mackenzie v. Scot (25 Jan.) 82:
The Deponent did not know his Rank, or whether he was gentle or semple.Ayr. 1790 Burns Gane is the Day ii.:
There's wealth and ease for gentlemen, And semple folk maun fecht and fen'.Kcb. 1808 J. Mayne Siller Gun xii.:
Gentle and semple, mingling, crown, The gladsome scenes!Sc. 1815 Scott Guy M. i.:
I'se warrant they'll tak ye in, whether ye be gentle or semple.Edb. 1847 R. Chambers Traditions 9:
Gentle and semple living within the compass of a single close, or even a single stair.Bnff. 1856 J. Collie Poems 133:
Baith gentle and semple to please.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxviii.:
There is na ane o' Simon's auld customers gentle or semple, that I dinna ken.Dmf. 1917 J. L. Waugh Cute McCheyne 161:
I've aye an open door at Glenheid for a', gentle an' semple.Slg. 1932 W. D. Cocker Poems 149:
Gentle bluid an' semple bluid Are a' ae colour?m.Sc. 1988 William Neill Making Tracks 72:
Bewaur yon Sonnet-Goloch; a sair stang
he'll gie, gin ye're no tentie whan ye read;
his venim kills aw ither vairse stane-deid:
Rime Royal, Auchtfauld Rime an sempil sang
nae maitter hou ye scan thaim soond aw wrang.