Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ABSENT, n. One who is absent, an absentee. Also in deriv. absentant, id.Gall. 1701 Session Bk. Minnigaff (1939) 47:
Absentants excused, excuses sustained. Lnk. 1710 Minutes J.P.s (S.H.S) 89, 129:
The absents are Coltness, Raploch, Rosehal, Farm, and Succoth. . . . To hire others in place of the absents.
[O.Sc. absentis, 1420.]
