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.
Lok-, Lockhok(e, -holl, n. [e.m.E. locke kole (1592).] A key-hole. (In contexts referring to the Act of 1540 [Acts II. 359/1: see Knok n.2 2 b], whereby a summons not delivered to the party personally was to be affixed to the gate or door of his residence.) —1669 Old Ross-shire I. 79.
I Jas. Anderson messinger at the command of the within written letters of horning … chargit … Master John Gordon [etc.] … by leaving coppies in the lock holes of the most patent dorcs … to mak payment [etc.] 1671 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Processes No. 84.
[The officer to fix a copy of the said precept] not only on a lokhol [pr. lokhot] of ther dwelling houses … bot also upon forked sticks fastened in the grund of the said lands 1675 Aberd. Council Lett. V. 439.
Wherfor I affixt and left ane authentick copie of the saids within wreitine letters within the lockholl of the same [most patent door]
