Obs. Sc. [f. bout, aphet. f. ABOUT + GATE, going.] lit. A going about; hence, ambage, circumvention; equivocation, quibble.
1591. R. Bruce, 11 Serm., T ij a (Jam.). The boutgates and deceites of the hearte of man are infinite.
1657. Colvil, Whigs Supplic. (1751), 138. They bring but bout-gates, and golinzies.
a. 1734. Wodrow, Corr. (1843), III. 463. Witnesses to his shifting and boutgates.
1768. Ross, Helenore, 79 (Jam.). Nory … Made shift by boutgates to put off the day.
