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.
SEVERAL, adj., n. Also †-all, saiveral (Abd. 1926 Abd. Univ. Review (March) 115). Sc. forms and usages. The pl. form severals is still occas. heard when used as a n. = several persons or things (Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scoticisms 78; Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Sh. 1952 Robertson and Graham Sh. Grammar 6; Inv., ne.Sc., Slg., Bwk. 1970). Also Ir. and U.S.Sc. 1700 Acts Parl. Scot. X. App. 47:
The Popish partie have for divers years oppressed severalls of the reformed churches.Sc. 1764 Boswell in Holland (Pottle 1952) 213:
I can assure you from the authority of severals very sensible people.Sc. 1820 Blackwood's Mag. (Aug.) 564:
It is probable that the Royal mercy will be extended to severals of them.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xxx.:
There's severals'll hae to gae yet.
