A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1536-1540, 1680
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Ladron(e, -roun, Laidroun, Laydron, n. and attrib. [Only Sc. (but cf. north. (York) and east midl. (Norfolk) ME. and e.m.E. (14th c.–1553) ledron (14th c.), lidderon, lidrone etc., in sim. sense): of uncertain etymology, but perh. f. Lad n.1 with suffix -rone, -roun, as in other abusive words, as custron(e, culroun, duddroun. In the later Sc. dial. as ladren and lath(e)ron, laithron, latherin, also (Donaldson) lidderon, lidrone.] A term of derogation: A base person, a low rascal; also, applied to women, a drab, a lowwoman. (Common only in Lyndsay). —1536 Lynd. Answ. Flyting 50.
On ladronis for to loip, ȝe wyll nocht lat, Howbeit the caribaldis cry the corinoch 1680 Sempill P. 52/24.
The laydron [Poverty] pow'd me by the thrapple —attrib. 1540 Lynd. Sat. Procl. 35.
Scho wald call me fals ladrone loun 1540 Ib. 59, 97. 1540 Id. Sat. 799.
The diuill ressaif thé laidroun [Ch. lurdoun] loun, Thow hes wat all my new schevin croun 1540 Ib. 4411.
Hald doun ȝour heid, ȝe ladroun [Ch. lurdon] loun
