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.
(Schete-anker,) Shott-anker, n. (ME and e.m.E. shute-anker (1497), shot anker (1514), shote anker (1536), shut anker (1586), sheat anchor (1626), shoote anker (1633), a sheet-anchor, fig. and lit. Of uncertain origin; prob. e.m.E. shutt Schete n.2) —1555 Knox in Calderwood I 301.
This same Mr. Isaac, by the counsell of some preests … devised how to have me cast in prisoun … So, seeking to their old shott-anker, they cryed out against me, ‘Non est amicus Caesaris’
