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, n.3 [ME. (? chiefly or only north. and north midl.) mes, messe, measse, mase (14–15th c.), ? a blow, and in at good mes at a good range for shooting and to mark (one) at or with a mess ? to aim or deliver a shot or blow at, AF. mes shot, L. missum.] The first mes, ? the first shot, blow or stroke; fig. the first step. —c1420 Ratis R. 1040.
Be weil ware vith the fyrst mes Gyf thow wyll eftir leif in pes
