A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Pikk-,) Pikant, Pickeand, a. [e.m.E. pickande (1521), -ant (1549), -ante (1591), f. F. piquant adj. Cf. Piking a.] ‘Sharp’, ‘stinging’, keen, trenchant. —1586 Warrender P. (S.H.S.) I. 253.
[It is unwise to use] such pikant ways [as may offend] 1638 Baillie I. 94.
Receave … the last supplication given to the marques, ye sie it is pickeand