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.
KNOWLEDGE, n. Sc. Law usage: judicial investigation, inquiry through process of law, specif. by a jury or assize, verdict.Sc. 1730 W. Forbes Institutes II. 343–5:
The Lords either sustain or repel the Defence, or Ground of Exculpation offered for the Pannel, and find that accordingly he should, or should not go to the Knowledge of an Inquest . . . The libel is referred to the knowledge of an Assize. . . A Baron may be put to the Knowledge of a common inquest, for a Crime, whereof the Punishment is neither Life nor Limb.
[O.Sc. knaulelege, id., from 1397.]
