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.
Roust, Rowst, v.2 Also: rouste. [ME and e.m.E. ruste(n (Ancr. R.), rouste(n (c1290); Roust n.2] intr.See also Roustit ppl. adj.1
1. To become rusty; to undergo oxidation.?1438 Alex. ii 3402.
My suerd … That now all our roustit is 1535 Stewart 8391.
Lute thair harnes with all vther geir Roust and rot 1600 Colville Palinode 8.
As the steill the more it is vsed the lesse it doeth rouste 1638 Henderson Serm. 470.
b. fig. To cease to shine brightly; to become dulled in appearance.1629 Boyd Last B. 105.
There is such a freting canker into sin, that, … if it could reach vnto the verie starres, it should make them to roust by staining their brightnesse
2. Of a person, his mind: To deteriorate through lack of use.1598 James VI Basil. Doron 187/6.
His engyne quhilke suirlie uith ydilnes uill rouste & becum blunte 1587-99 Hume 81/36.
Exercise thy selfe in the law of the Lord continuallie … least thou rowst like yron
