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.
Leche-, Leichcraft, n. Also: leiche-. [ME. læchecrafft (Orm), lechecraft, -creft, OE. lǽcecræft.] The art or practice of a leech (Leche n.1), leechcraft, surgery. Also b. a (medical) remedy.1473 Treas. Acc. I. 68.
Gevin to McMwlane the barbour … for the leichcraft done be him to the litil boys of the chalmire c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxxiii. 33.
In leichecraft he was homecyd … His yrnis was rude as ony rawchtir, Quhair he leit blude it was no lawchtir 15.. Clar. i. 549.
I in leichcraft have sum skeill and kuning 1554 Reg. Cupar A. II. 113.
The said Alexander vsand his craft of medicinarie and leche craft 1584 Sempill Sat. P. xlv. 388.
With stones that mekle mair can doe In leichcraft, whair scho layis them toeb. a1500 Henr. III. 152/61.
That ȝe tak Sevin sobbis of ane selche [etc.] … , Thair is nocht sic ane lechecraft fra Lawdian to Lundin
