A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Scamling,) Skemlin, -land, ppl. adj. [e.m.E. scambling rapacious (Shakesp.); Scamel v.] Sponging, scrounging; in search of easy pickings. —1591 Elgin Rec. II 15.
In calling of hir ane skemlin witche karling 1654 Dumfr. & Galloway Soc. III 25.
For calling Bessie Harper a … skemland stable raker