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.
Quotation dates: 1473-1628
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Bot(e)man, Boitman, n. Also: boitt-, boytman. [e.m.E. boteman (1514), boatman, f. Bote n.2] A boatman; a ferryman.(a) 1473 Treasurer's Accounts I. 44.
To the botmen that brocht the king our the watter 1506 Ib. III. 165.
To the botmen of Loch Canmor 1550 Reg. Cupar A. II. 75.
Thai … sall do thair dowiteis to the botmen of Ilay 1550 Ib. 93.
Our bot man of Ilay 1603 Montgomery Mem. 246.
To the botman for taking me oup and doun the vatter 1628 Master of Works Accounts XXIII. 5.
The botemen that brocht the sklaittes(b) 1513 Doug. vi. v. 41; 1513 Ib. vi. 2.
This soroful boytman [Sm. boitman, R. boteman] … Now thir, now thame, within his veschel tuke 1548 Treasurer's Accounts IX. 196.
Gevyn ane barrall of aill to the boitmen to caus them row fast 1556 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 326.
Payit to the foirsaid boitmen that carit the tymmer 1600 Rec. Convention of Royal Burghs II. 82.
To incarcerat … the awneris and boitmen thairof 1618 Master of Works Accounts XV. ii. 35.
To boittmen … to drink at intaking the tymber 1628 Ib. XXIII. 5.
Wm Maissone, boiteman
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