Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Out, interj. Also: oute, owt(e. [Out adv., with ellipsis of the verb: see Out adv. 1 c.] An imperative exclamation.

a. With harrow, hay, wallaway, as a call to attract attention while at the same time expressing indignation, reproach or lamentation, also, excitement or urgency. b. Out on or upon (someone or something); expressing indignation, reproach or abhorrence.a. a1500 K. Hart 375.
‘Out, harro! Taik and slay!’ The hous is wone withoutin brag or schoir 1513 Doug. vii. vi. 135.
Schrewitly wald scho clepe and cry, ‘Owt harro! matronys, quharso evir ȝe be, All Latyn wyfis harkis now to me’ 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1145 (Bann.).
Owt wallaway this is the New Test'ment a1568 Bann. MS. 141 a/20.
Out hay, quod scho, my ioy, latt beb. c1420 Wynt. v. 1920.
Owte! owt! oute apon yhone wyff! Hyr byrth sall brew ws mekyll bale 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 990.
Out on sic gram! Ib. 1781.
Than on the wall ane garitour … Proclamand loud … Out on falsheid, the mother of euerie vice Id. Æn. iv. Prol. 166.
Out on thé, auld trat, agit wyfe or dame Ib. vi. Prol. 19. a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 550.
Out! out! I schout, apon that snowt that snevillis