A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Point-,) Poyntling(i)s, adv. [f. Point n.2: cf. e.m.E. poyntelynge (of a spear) point foremost (Malory).] a. (To fight) with the point of the weapon, rather than with the edge. b. With a pointed shape, as a cone or pyramid. —1533 Boece 383.
Danis … war accustumyt to fecht erare poyntlingis, than to strike with the ege 1596 Dalr. I 135/14.
Gret kairnis of stanes … scharpe abone, ryseng vpe poyntlings lyke a steiple