poind

/ pɪnd /

verb

1. to take (property of a debtor) in execution or by way of distress; distrain

2. to impound (stray cattle, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of poind¹

C15: from Scots, variant of Old English pyndan to impound

Example Sentences

Yesterday Miss Ogle and I went to Harnham, where Mrs. Catherine Babington, a famous Puritan lady who was excommunicated, is buried in the rock; to Shortflat Tower, the old peel castle of the Dents; and to the Poind and his Man, Druidical antiquities, and Shaftoe Crag, a beautiful wild cliff overgrown with heather.

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My mither hadna the money gin, as it were, the day, an' on the morn, the messengers came to poind.

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If a puir tenant was but a day behind-hand wi' his rent, he had creatures o' his ain that used to gang half-an'-half wi' him in their fees; an' them he wad send aff to poind him an' then, if the expenses o' the poindin werena forthcoming as weel as what was owing to the master, he wad hae a roup o' the stocking twa-three days after; an' anither account, as a man o' business, for that.

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The poet has not given his name, but he has preserved his portrait in colours which are indelible:— I've noticed, on our Laird's court-day, An' mony a time my heart's been wae, Poor tenant bodies, scant o' cash, How they maun thole a factor's snash; He'll stamp an' threaten, curse and swear, He'll apprehend them, poind their gear, While they maun stan', wi aspect humble, And hear it a', an' fear an' tremble.

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Your hand’s owre light on them, I fear; Your factors, grieves, trustees, and bailies, I canna’ say but they do gaylies; They lay aside a’ tender mercies, An’ tirl the hallions to the birses; Yet while they’re only poind’t and herriet, They’ll keep their stubborn Highland spirit; But smash them! crash them a’ to spails!

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