A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Stal(e, Stail, Steill, v. [Late ME and e.m.E. stale (c1450), staale (Palsgrave), OF estaler (14th c., once in Godef. with erron. explanation), It. stallare, Du., LG, MHG stallen.] a. intr. To urinate. b. tr. To pass (something) in urine. —a. 14.. Acts I *91/1.
Gif ony stal [Skene pisches or makes water] in the ȝet of the gilde or upon the wall of the gild endurand the gild he sall gif iiij d. to the mendis 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1919 (B).
And ȝe ladeis that list to pische Lift vp ȝour taill, steill in a dische 1630 Sharpe Witchcraft 104.
That he should pluck up a nettle by the root, and lay it on the hiegate side, and stale upon it thrie severall mornings —b. c1500 Crying of Play 62.
Scho tuke the grawell and stalit [Interl. Droich staild] Cragorth Scho pischit the mekle watter of Forth
