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.
¶CONTENTIBUS, n. In phr. to sing contentibus, to accept one's lot with a good grace, to make the best of things.Ayr. 1913 J. Service Memorables 134:
Even he, when the weans begin to come, has to sing contentibus in the stirks' bysse wi' the lave.
[Quasi-Lat. form, as if from a liturgical chant, from content. Cf. peccatoribus, iniquitatibus, cor mundum, peccavi(mus).]
