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.
Slay, Sla(i)e, n. [ME and e.m.E. slay (1316), sleye (15th c.), OE sleȝe. Cf. MLG, MDu. slach, ON slagr. Ultim. f. as Sla v.] An instrument used in weaving to beat up the weft. = Red(e n.2 5. Also attrib. with wright. —1513 Doug. vi xvi 29.
With subtil slays [Sm. slais, Ruddim. slayis] and hir hedlys sle Rich lynȝe wobbis natly wefis sche 1628 Edinb. Test. LIV 266.
Fyve boundis of slaes threid … ane hundreth bound of the said slayes 1660 Lanark B. Rec. 175.
All sort of work loomes, such as slaies, shottles [etc.] —attrib. 1693 Irvine Deeds (Sasine) 24 May.
Archbald Bordland Slaewright
