GUILD, in the royal boroughs of Scotland, is still used for a company of merchants, who are freemen of the borough. See BOROUGH.
Every royal borough has a dean of guild, who is the next magistrate below the bailie. He judges of controversies among men concerning trade; disputes between inhabitants touching buildings, lights, water-courses, and other nuisances; calls courts, at which his brethren of the guild are bound to attend; manages the common stock of the guild; and amercers and collects fines.