A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1400-1533, 1590
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Actoun, n. Also: actowne, acton(e. Also with n prefixed from a preceding indefinite article: nactoun. [ME. aketoun (c 1300), actoun, acton, etc., OF. auqeton (F. hoqueton), of Arabic origin.] A stuffed jacket worn under the mail. Also fig.c1420 Wynt. viii. 4879.
Willame off Spens percit … throw thre fawld off awbyrchowne And the actowne [C. actone; W. actoun] throw the thryd ply 14.. Acts I. 113/2.
A gud suffyciand acton, a basnet & gluffis of playt ?1438 Alex. i. 2562; etc.
The mailȝeis of his habersoun He persit, and his gude actoun ?1438 Ib. 3286.
Vpon ane cod punȝeid of cottoun, Was thikker than ane actoun 1513 Doug. xi. Prol. 117.
Of fre will thyne acton is sa wight Nane may it pers, wilt thou resist1533 Boece i. iv. 41.
Scottis … vsing … habergeouns, sum of irne, sum of leddir, commonly callit nactounsc1590 J. Stewart 67/65.
No corslat, targe, acton, nor habirȝoune Mycht the redoubling dochtie dints defend
