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.
Sma(i)k, n.2 [?] A commodity, used (? among other things) in obtaining a black dye. ‘Copperas with added galls, oak bark or sawdust’ was the commonest way of obtaining black according to A History of Technology III 694 by Singer, Holmyard, Hall and Williams. —1586 Edinb. Test. XVI 209.
Thrie polk & ane half of smaik estimat … to the soume of lvij li. money 1595 Edinb. Test. XXVIII 294.
Ane pock of smaik for litting of blak cullouris 1613 Conv. Burghs II 382.
Guids importit to Scotland [from Campvere] … ane pak towis tua gritt, ane pak smak tua gritt, ane ball annetseids four gritt 1625 Conv. Burghs III 198. 1633 Edinb. Test. LVI 111b.
Ane thowsand … pund of smak estimat all to ane hundreth fourscoir pundes
