Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1705
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TESTAN, n. Also testen. A Sc. silver coin of the reign of Mary issued in 1553–8 of the value of four shillings Scots or fourpence in pre-decimal currency, found only in the proverbial expression below to make a merk of one's testan, to make a profit, to invest one's capital or efforts to advantage (Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 384).Sc. 1705 Observator (2 May) 31:
I'll warrand you never make a mark of your Testen, if you let it ly idle.
