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.
Mistak, -tack(e, n. Also: mistake. [e.m.E. mistake (1638).]
1. Mishap, harm.1602 Conv. Burghs II. 141.
Gif … the merchand will … caus owirlayd the schip … , giff the schip cumis thairthrow to ony skaith or mistak, than [etc.]
2. A wrongful course of action, a transgression.1646 Glasgow B. Rec. II. 97.
For preventing of all disorderlie courses, vther mistackis and prejudices … that … may … aryse 1653 Aberd. B. Rec. IV. 136.
The said Alexander … to acknowledge his fault, and the mistak of his haill traid
3. A mistaken belief or action; a misconception that gives rise to an error or blunder.1654 Aberd. Council Lett. III. 244–5.
That the toune sall continue as they have beine in possessioune, only they sall stryve with him to clear the mistack excepting out of the discharge of Mr Ord of midling with our customes in the futur the customes of wyne alsweill as the excyse of wyne and tobbacco quhilk is ane gros mistack for, albeit the wyne and tobbacco is exceptit out of the tack of our excys, yit it is not so in the tack of our customes but expresslie includit ?c1675 J. Gordon Hist. I. 7.
He little presumed that a leiturgye composed … by the Englishe bishopps … could be quarelled at as popishe … But the event proved the mistacke 1665 Lauder Jrnl. 127.
In baptizing about the bairnes names ther hes bein mistakes both on the ministers hand and the holders up 1682 Old Tolbooth Rec. in Bk. Old Edinb. C. VIII. 122.
The lords of his maiesties privie counsell … finding the suplicant hes being tacken vpon some mistack [etc.] 1694 Cramond Kirk S. IV. 17 Dec.
Nyn hundred marks … had been lent to Bailly Robison … [and] out of a mistacke, that bond makes the money to belong to the poore 1704 Aberd. Journal N. & Q. VI. 128.
With tuentie pounds I aloued him quhich I gott from him in a mistack about 5 or six yeirs agoe
4. A misunderstanding which gives rise to animosity or resentment.1661 Wodrow Hist. I. 193.
The love of the one I cannot recompense, and the mistake or hatred or reproach of the other I do with all my heart forgive 1674 Glasgow B. Rec. III. 192.
They judge it their dewtie to vindicat themselfes … from any mistack they may fall under with his sacred majestie 1676 Inverness Rec. II. 269.
For remowing of all debeats & animosities & mistacks arisen betwixt [etc.] 1685 Renwick Serm. 572.
It doth not a little trouble me that ye have and exprest so great mistakes of us
b. In mistak(s), at odds with, feeling animosity or resentment towards (another).1680 Brodie Diary 430.
I heard Innes was stil in mistaks with me and spard not to speak of me 1681 Ib. 449.
I heard Calder was in mistak with her and me. I desir to doe nothing to dissoblidg him
