Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BE-OUT, prep. With the exception of, not counting.Sc. 1827 C. I. Johnstone Eliz. de Bruce III. ix.:
I never yet saw or communed with worse than mysel'—be-out John Hurcheon.
[A etymological reforming of But, prep.2 ( < be-out), O.E. be-ūtan, būtan, poss. influenced by wi-out, Without.]
