A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1596-1626, 1680
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Jakis, Jax, n. Also: jaques, jaxis. [e.m.E. jaxe, jacks, jakes, jaques (c 1535), of unascertained origin.] A jakes, a latrine. —1596 Glasgow Chart. II. 569.
He and his tenentis appropriatis to thame the roume betuix the kirk gavill … and his back sidwall, gadderis myddinges of fulȝe thairon, and maks ane commone jaxis thairof 1596 Ib. 570.
That the watter may pas that waye as it wes wont, except onlie ane passage to ane dur to cleinge his jaxis quhen neid beis 1596 Ib.
For clengeing of his jax of his back tenement 1607–8 Mun. Univ. Glasg. III. 561.
For cleinging the jaques in the College, xx s 1622-6 Bisset II. 166/21.
Nathalocus … wes slane be his nobillis, and cassin away in ane previe or filthie jakis 1680 Edinb. B. Rec. X. 418.
The said waist bounds … is ane discredit [to the town] being made ane common jax in such a publict venue
