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.
Provokar(e, Provoc-, Provockar, -er, n. [Late ME and e.m.E. provoker (1432–50), f. Provok(e v.] One who provokes, in various senses of Provok(e v.As: an instigator (of an action or activity, or of strife); an inciter (of a person) (to greed, lust, etc.); a challenger to combat.(1) 1513 Doug. vi viii 106.
That schrew prouocar [Ruddim. prouokare] of all wikkyt dedis … Vlixes a1578 Pitsc. I 72/14.
The Scottismen … war the first provokaris of the weiris and battel 1657 Dumfries Council Min. 5 Jan.
Fynit … as followes viz. … Thomas Jamesone as provoker [etc.] 1698 Inverness Kirk S. 70.
The session findeing the said John to be the provoker, ordered [etc.](2) 1531 Bell. Boece II 174.
All taverneris … and provocaris of the pepil to intemperat diet or lustis 1561 (c1650) Dundee B. Laws 26.
That some drunkarts … uses … tavernes out of dew tyme … and that throw provockars, drunkarts, huredome & tulȝie(3) 1596 Dalr. I 314/8.
Invade now thy prouoker a1633 Hope Major Pract. II 288.
The provocker [of singular combat] to be punished with a mor ignominious death then the defender
