Sc. (and Ir.). Also 5–6 sons, 6– sonce. [ad. Gael. sonas good fortune, prosperity, etc.] Abundance, plentifulness, plenty; prosperity.
c. 1300. in Wyntoun’s Orig. Cron., VII. x. 3623. Qwhen Alexander our kynge was dede,… Away was sons of alle and brede.
1500–20. Dunbar, Poems, xxv. 61. God and Sanct Jeill heir ȝow convoy … To sonce and seill, solace and joy.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., III. 229. Of fugitouris fra sindrie landis fled, Quhilk lytill sons or nane at hame hes hed, Forlane lownis without riches or micht.
a. 1689. W. Cleland, Poems (1697), 59. There’s als much Vertue Sonce and Pith In Annan, or the Water of Nith,… Als any water in all Greece.
1830. Carleton, Traits Irish Peas. (1843), I. 195. Bad manners to me,… if sonse or grace can ever come of it.
1892. Ballymena Observer (E. D. D.), Something of good size and value would be said to have some sonce with it.
b. In the phr. Sonse fa’..., expressing a wish for one’s prosperity. (Misused by Ramsay.)
1719. Ramsay, 1st Answ. Hamilton, i. Sonse fa me, witty, wanton Willy, Gin blyth I was na as a filly [etc.].
1788. Picken, Poems, 157. Sonce fa’ yer apen, honest heart Whar double guile ne’er hauntet.
1806. R. Jamieson, Pop. Ballads, I. 352. Sonse fa’ Bobbin John; Want an’ wae gae by him.
