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.
Nicht-, Nycht-craw, n. [ME. nytcrowe (c 1340) rendering OF. fresoie, nyȝt crowe (Wyclif) rendering L. noctua, nyghte crowe (Prompt. Parv.) rendering L. nicticorax, e.m.E. night-, nyghte-crowe some bird regarded as of evil omen.] Some nocturnal bird. (Only in renderings of Latin.) (Both the first two quots. repr. the following in the orig. L.: Monedulas parras ac cornicum ingentem numerum cum corvis haud multo minori in Gualia dimicasse.) —1531 Bell. Boece (M) I. 381.
The pyottis and nycht crawis faucht with the ravynnis 1533 Boece ix. x. 310.
Kayis, nycht crawis and rukis in Walis in grete nowmer recounterit corbeis in batell 1579, 1617 Despauter (1579).
Nycticorax, the nicht craw
