Note 100 — BOOK XVIII.
William Robson translation
And yet we cannot think that the custom of the Scotch lairds, who assume the name of their estates, can be traced to this source, although they do it in the same way. It seems probable that the French de, generally admitted as a proof of gentility, at least, was adopted upon such an occasion; but even this de is subject to doubt, as implying the lord of the estate, country, or city, or the man who raised himself into note from the country or city.—Trans.