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.
(Spete-staff,) Speit-staf(f, n. Also: speat- and -stalff, -stave. [Spet(e n. and Staf(f n.] A sharp-pointed staff (Staf(f n. 2). —1608 Wedderb. Compt Bk. 104.
Sent out with William Renkyn to Spane ten bollis beir … 4 pistollatis … a speit staf and carvet wark thairon to sell this 1613 Edinb. Test. XLVII 342b.
Ane speit staff price thrie pundis 1624 Edinb. Test. LII 255b.
Ane littill speit staff pryce vj l. xiij s. iiij d. 1627 Edinb. Test. LIV 117.
Ane speit staff, ane craige peice 1631 Edinb. Test. LV 42b.
Ane pik and ane partesin speit stalff a1651 Calderwood VII 246.
The provest, baillies, and counsell, and a number of citizens, arrayed in gownes, and others standing with speat staves, receaved him at the port
