A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Bleche, Bleitch, v. Also: bleich, blich, bletch, bleetch, bleitche, -sche. [e.m.E. bleche (bleache), ME. blechen, OE. blǽc(e)an, f. blác pale, white.] tr. To bleach (cloth). Also fig.Earlier use is implied in Bleching, Blechit.1554 Duncan Laideus Test. 166.
The saullis he committis for to bleitche In purgatorie quhill thai be weschin clene 1594 Wedderburn Compt Bk. 41.
Small lyning to bleitsche 1595 Duncan Appendix.
Dealbo, to bleche 1614 Wedderburn Compt Bk. 41.
The sarkis yit bleitsching receavit 1652 Stirling Ant. II. 7.
The … breach of the Saboth by those who bleichs … claise 1665 Glasgow B. Rec. III. 59.
Libertie to wash and dry their clothes, but nocht to bleitch them
