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.
Shark, Sharke, v. [e.m.E. shark (c1596), of unknown origin.] a. intr. To live by fraud, trickery or petty crime. b. tr. To steal; to obtain by dishonest methods. —a. 1611-57 Mure Psalmes cix 10.
Still vaige, and sharke, and beg about, Their bounds lay'd waist they may —b. 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) i 29
Its wonder they have sharkt so much. Both from the English and the Dutch 1686 Privy Council Papers 21 June.
That he [sc. the representative of Culross] hath very litle inclination to shark money of them
