A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Mes-clathis, -clothes, n. pl. Also: mess(e)- and -claithis, -es, -claythis; -clothis, -cloaths. [Late ME. mes-clothis (c 1440).] Vestments for the mass.(a) c1420 Wynt. v. 2313 (W).
Quhen thai were in thare office, … Than thare mes clathis on to be 1549 Treas. Acc. IX. 317.
To Schir Henry Balfoure to by my lordes mes clathis … v s. 1561 Inv. Q. Mary 40.
Off messe claithis: item ane chasiable … item ane claith … to hing abone the alter … item ane tapeis vnder fute [etc.] 1573–4 Haddington B. Rec. in E. Loth. Antiq. Soc. VII. 70.
The sammin day for hadder to burne the mess claythis 1596 Dalr. II. 172/30.
Thae capes and vtheris mesclaithis and vestments perteineng to the kirk 1607 Crim. Trials II. 531.
Williame Murdoche, preist, to be takin … cled in his mess-claythis … the said messclaithes to be cassin af him and brunt in the said fyre, with all his vther popische baggadge(b) 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 340.
At the quhilk thair wes … grit ritches of mes clothes … brunt 1587 Bk. Univ. Kirk II. 722.
Messe cloaths 1600-1610 Melvill 617. 1612 Fife Synod 52.
Being accused of having resait preistes, jesuites etc. and having messe-clothis in his hous
