A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Nocent, a. [Late ME. and e.m.E. nocent n. (1447), a. (c 1485), L. nocens pres. p. of nocēre to hurt.] a. Harmful, injurious. b. Guilty. Also absol. —a. 1490 Irland Mir. II. 105/8.
It that is nocent to the Lord and agane His honour 1568 Skeyne Descr. Pest 5.
As quhan the maist nocent sterres to mankynd conuenis c 1620 Sutherland Corr. 365.
Seiknes … sometymes … purgeth the bodie from nocent humours 1643 Baillie II. 69.
The three nocent ceremonies —b. 1592 Calderwood V. 150.
To snib and confort the afflicted as you find them nocent or innocent 1600 Crim. Trials II. 132.
Albeit he wer nocent (he being maist innocent) —absol. 1563 Davidson Answer in Misc. Wodrow Soc. 231.
The slauchter of the innocent and nocent 1632 Prognostication.
Much innocent blood shall bee spilt and the nocent goe free
