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.
Locust, n. Also in Lat. form locusta. [ME. (Cursor M.) and e.m.E. locust, ME. also locusta (Wyclif, Trevisa), F. locuste (14–15th c.), L. locusta.] The insect, the locust. Also fig., a devouring creature, such a creature which swarms in great numbers. —a1400 Leg. S. xxxvi. 281.]
[Wild hony wes his [John Baptist's] lyflede & a thinge callit locusta, That thinge for fud he can ta 1572 Ferg. Serm. iii Malachi C ii b.
For sum [of the kirk's revenues] wer sauld [etc.] … and the remanent wes deuorit be the locustis that come out of the smoke of the bottomles pit 1669 Moray Synod 142.
The insolencie of these locusts [trafficking priests] 1671 Ib. 150.
Jesuits … abounding lyke locusts
