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.
Cant, a. Also: kant. [Northern ME. cant, kant (c 1300), of doubtful origin.] Brisk, lively, smart.1375 Barb. viii. 280 (E).
The king … With his men that war cant and kene ?1438 Alex. ii. 3015.
Cassamus … that was Glaid and ioyfull and richt mery, And of his eld cant and ioly a1500 Rauf C. 42.
Sa come thair ane cant carll cachand the gait Ib. 113.
Twa cant knaifis of his awin a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 334.
Yow worthis on neid For to assege yone castel With cant men and cruel a1500 Henr. Fab. 65.
Ane cok … Richt cant and crous, albeit he was bot pure 1513 Doug. viii. Prol. 42.
The cadgyar callis furth his capill with crakkis wail cant 1535 Stewart 35915.
He … fand himself … als blyth and als rejosit, And in him self … als crous and kant a1500 Peblis to Play 54.
Ane ȝoung man stert in to that steid Als cant as ony colt
