A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Schamloch, -lo, n. Also: shamlach, shamloh; schamenlo; schamble. [Gael. seamlach a cow that gives milk without having her calf beside her.] ‘A cow that has not calved for two years’ (A. Fenton in Agricultural History Review XI (1963) 66).(a) 1549 Prot. Bk. Sir A. Gaw 6.
Ane ȝeld kow schamenlo 1564–75 Hamilton & Campsie Test. I 17b.
Ane ȝeill schamloch kow v merkis 1591 Kinnaird Farm Bk. fol. 84b.
Ane schamlo kow a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 1242.
[Of ane old whore] Sho may go to the merkat of cotteris sho wil sel for ane shamlach kow a1699 Skene Agric. MS (ed.) 69.
A yeild or shamloh kow is a kow that gives no milk at all Ib.
A forrow kow is leaner nor a yeild or shamloh kow(b) 1579 Brechin Test. I 17b.
Ane schamble kow price four pound
