letters of horning

letters of horn·​ing

-ˈhȯrniŋ

Scots law

: a process of a court directing a debtor to pay or perform according to the terms of the letters under penalty of being proclaimed an outlaw by the blowing of three blasts upon a horn

Word History

Etymology

horning act of proclaiming a person an outlaw by blowing three blasts upon a horn, from horn (instrument) + -ing

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined above

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