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.
Spikenard(e, Spyknard, n. [ME and e.m.E. spikenard (c1350), spekenard (Wyclif), spykenarde (1465), OF spicanarde (1314 in Greimas), MDu. spikenaerde, MLG spikenardi, med. L. spica nardi (a1250 in Latham).] a. Spikenard, the aromatic substance obtained from a plant of the Valerian order; an unguent or ointment incorporating this. b. One or other of the plants of this order. Cf. Narde n. and Nardus specudy. —a. 1373 Exch. R. II 444.
In empcione … vnius libre et trium vnciarum spyknard c1520-c1535 Nisbet Mark xiv 3.
Quhen He was at Bethany … a woman com that had a boist of alabastre of preciouse onyement, spikenarde and … scho sched it out on His heide —b. a1606 Dioscoridis Annot. 7.
Nardu Ceticu, anglice, a plante called spikenarde 1500-1699 Herbarius Latinus Annot. xv (Adv.).
Asarum, vild spikenard
