Orkney and Shetland. Obs. Also 6 lawrik-, lawricht-. [f. LAW sb.1 + RIGHT sb. + MAN; intended as a rendering in etymological equivalents of the local lagraetman = ON. lǫgréttumaðr a member of the lǫgrétta (lǫg law + rétta to make right) or public court of law held during the general assembly (thing).] (See quots.)
1554. trans. Diploma Bp. Orkney, in Bannatyne Cl. Misc., III. (1855), 84. The seill of … Joanne Cragy myne armyng, of Richard Fodringame lawrik-men myne, of Alexander Sinclar myne [etc.].
1576. in Oppress. Orkney & Zetld. (1859), 16. Ane discreit man of ilk paroche, by the rest, callit The Lawrichtman, quha mesurit oure dewitie, callit Wadmell, and weyit our dewitie of buttir.
1708. J. Chamberlayne, State Gt. Brit., II. I. iii. 408. Six or seven of the most honest and intelligent persons within the Parish, called Lawrightmen. These … have the Oversight of the People, in manner of Constables.
1733. Gifford, Description Zetld. (1786), 48. There is also in each parish a lawright man…. His business is to weigh and measure the rent-butter and oil, and also to judge of the quality thereof.
1805. G. Barry, Orkney Isl., 217. The inferior ones had their council also, composed of members denominated Lagraetmen or Lawrightmen, who were a kind of constables for the execution of justice in their respective islands.
1822. Scott, Pirate, xviii. To do justice betwixt man and man, like a Fowd or a Lawright-man at a lawting lang syne.
