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                  Your Scottish Archives Glossary

                  The Your Scottish Archives Glossary defines archaic words and phrases, mostly Scots law terminology, commonly found in documents and records in Scotland’s archives. If you think a word or phrase should be added to the glossary, or an existing entry could be defined better, please contact us at your@scottisharchives.org.uk.

                  You can also use the Dictionary of the Scots Language as a further resource at https://dsl.ac.uk/ for Scots words and phrases (including legal terminology).

                  To find a term within the glossary, click on the initial letter of the word you are looking for, then select the relevant syllable segment displayed below.

                  Example: to find the term “roup” select section “R” then sub-section “Ro”

                  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

                  confirmation

                  the process of recognition by a court of law, for example where executors are empowered to secure or dispose of the deceased’s property, or where charters are confirmed.

                  conjunct fee

                  any title to lands held jointly, usually by husband and wife; a ‘conjunct’ right is any right held jointly.

                  conjunctly and severally

                  an obligation or empowerment to two or more people to do something, either acting singly or in consort.

                  conservation

                  the stabilisation or repair of records to ensure that they survive in their original form for as long as possible, in accordance with professional standards.

                  conservator

                  a professional who carries out conservation, having qualified through specialised education, training and experience. The Institute of Conservation examines and maintains a register of Accredited Conservator-Restorers. Continuing professional development is also recognised by the award of Foundation Member, Registered Member or Fellowship of the Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland)