A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Mack, n. A person or clan whose surname has the prefix Mac (Gaelic mac son, occurring as a prefix in Gaelic surnames), a Highlander or Highland clan. (Cf. e.m.E. Mack (1596) ‘a Celtic Irishman’). —1619 Garden Elphinstoun 1655.
All the clans and macks Were out of ordour ay, Gif not the powar of the prence Thair stryfes intestine stay 1682 Royall Oake 6.]
[The Highlanders use but the syllables mack and vick, when they expresse patronimicks