A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Skill, Skylle, v. [ME skil (Orm) scil (Cursor M.), skile (Gower), skyll (a1400), earlier skel(ien (a1200), e.m.E. skill (1509), ON skilja to distinguish, discern, understand, or skila to expound, explain.] a. tr. To understand, comprehend. Also intr., const. of. b. To be believed. c. To explain, expound. d. To arrange, order. —a. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 1058 (Wr.).
For all the proverbs wee perusde Yee thought them skantly skild 1613 Breadalbane Lett. 7 March.
As for the wirginellis I haif naine heir that skill of them except the ȝowng laird —b. c1420 Wynt. ii 615.
It ware noucht to skylle [L. Nec est credendum] That thir dayis ware kepyt tylle The Egyptis in perplexyte —c. c1420 Ratis R. 175.
Maisteris gud and kindly skill In thare bukis … That thir thingis … Wyll smyt men that are hail & fere —d. c1610 Melville Mem. (1683) Pref.
A man may many times if he skill it aright give his prince good counsel contrary to his inclinations
