Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†SERO, n. Late attendance at a meeting, a fine imposed for such, a latecomer. Also in Eng. school usage, obs. Also attrib. in comb. sero box, a box in which to collect such fines.e.Lth. 1702 Rec. Sc. Cloth Manuf. (S.H.S.) 311:
They pay 7d each for being sero . . . the former to be put in the sero box.Lth. 1718–44 D. Robertson S. Leith Rec. (1925) 34, 62:
This day there was taken out of the Absent and Sero box . . . £9. 4. 0. . . . The Box for absents and seros was opened and the money found therein.Sc. 1731 Act touching Meetings of Council 168:
Every Member who shall not be present immediately after Prayers, shall be deemed sero; and that every Member, other than the Preses or Clerk, shall pay for each Sero sixpence Sterling.
