A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Roge, Rogue, n. Also: roague, roig, roug; roog(e. [e.m.E. rog(e (1561), roag (1577), rogue (1591), ‘one of the numerous canting words introduced about the middle of the 16th c. to designate the various kinds of beggars and vagabonds, and perhaps in some way related to Roger’ (= a begging vagabond) (OED).] A dishonest person; a rascal; a scoundrel.a1568 Bann. MS 210b/5.
Some rakles roig may hasard hir to ryde And namlie at ane anker in the night 1610 Crim. Trials III 100.
Ȝe betuik ȝour selffis to that damnable tred of pirracie as rooges, thevis and sea-robberis 1620 Dunferm. B. Rec. II 127.
Loup Inglis rogue I say over agane Inglis theif rogue hang yourselff c1650 Spalding I 298.
A nottabill lymmar … callit Johne Dwgar, ane hieland roague 1684 Glamis Bk. Record 18.
A verie notable roug ?1684 Dumfr. & Galloway Soc. 3 Ser. XXXVI 172.
List of the roges names said to be the murders of George Rowan
