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.
Slait, Slayt, Slat(e, v. [ME slayt, slat(e (14th c.), ON *sleita (corresp. OE slǽtan.) Also in the later dial.] tr. To incite, set on (dogs, etc.). Also at the victim. b. Of dogs: To set on, attack (a victim). Also absol. —a1400 Leg. S. xxx 657.
In the liyknes Of wilde bestis … He gert … feyndis … apere … & that feynd hym-selfe thane Apperyt as it ware a man & slaytyt thaim full fellonly, & bad thai suld that hure wery a1568 Balnaves Bann. MS 139a/89.
Our oft to hound in vnkowth ground Thow ma tak vp vnbaittit Thairfoir had bound Thocht scho be found or dreid thy doggis be slaittit —b. 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 325.
And him in forme hes of ane hart translatit. I saw, allace, his houndis at him slatit a1568 Bann. Bann. MS 231a/34.
Acteon wes slatit … Be wreth of Dyane with his awin houndis fell —absol. 1460 Hay Alex. 10815.
Quhan that thai houndis begouth to slait On wther part the swyne thai provit and bait
