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.
Quotation dates: 1572-1610, 1661-1673
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Schelm, n. Also: schellam; shalme. Pl. also schimeis. [e.m.E. shelm (1584) ‘a term of abuse or contempt, attributed to German speakers’ (OED), Germ. Schelm rogue, scoundrel.] A scoundrel; a villain. —1572 Bann. Memor. 268.
Tuo gentlmen … come out of Germanie … wha did report that … thei called thame be the way as thei come, ‘shalme!’ which is alsmuch as ‘theif and traytore!’ c1610 Melville Mem. 16.
The landgraue cryed out vpon him, calling him schelm, poltroun, traitour, and disceauer of him whais dochter he had maried 1661 Stockholm New Year's Gift A2b.
Then to obviat and anticipat som calumnys and obloquys, of som of Satans emissarys, thos malevolent and black mouthd schimeis 1673 Lauder Notices Affairs I 72.
[The pursuers] … under the paine … of being repute knaves, schellams, and willains, poisoners and abusers of the silly people
