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.
Steiche, Steech, Sti(s)ch, Stitch, n. [ME and e.m.E. stiche (Ancr. R.), stytch (Caxton), stitche (a1542), OE stice. Cf. Steke v.3] a. A stitch in embroidery, a particular sort of stitching or embroidery; also specif., Irysche steiche. (Cf. 17th c. Eng. Irish stitch (1624, s.v. Stitch n.1 9 (OED)). b. A sharp pain.a. (1) 1614 Laing MSS 136.
Ane blak satting suitt plaine with ane stich in all pairtes 1614 Laing MSS 137.
For making the suit with ane stisch in all pairtes 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) i 13.
He wore … a yellow dowblet with blew steeches 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) ii 11.
Yellow gloves, with green silk steeches(2) 1610 Hist. Kinloss A. xi.
Thrie baket stulles of Irysche steicheb. 1693 Blairs P. in Aberd. Univ. Rev. XXXVI 122.
[The cure accomplished nothing] but makes a noise throu my body & filled me with stitches wch. went from one place to another 1708 Black Orkn. & Shetl. Folklore 135.
She likewise declared … that she has heard … that a pain or a stitch has been telled out in that manner
