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.
Soukar, -er, Sucker, n. [ME and e.m.E. souker (Wyclif), sokere (Prompt. Parv.), sowker (c1460), sucker (a1548); Souk v.] a. One who sucks nourishment, as of a baby at the breast. b. One who sucks (out) the blood of another; a parasite. Also, without const. —a. a1561 Norvell Meroure 11b.
Sinne … Conceaued and borne of the olde serpent, Soukar of his laithlie dropis pestilent —b. 1598 Aberd. B. Rec. II 168.
Devoraris and suckeris of the blude and substance of the pure 1605 Ellon Presb. 56.
[Robert Keith] maliciouslie callit the ministers soukeris out of the bluid of the puir —c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 130/41.
On ȝour hienes followis eik Ane uthir sort more miserabill … Soukaris, groukaris [etc.]
