A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Sunk, p.p. or ppl. adj. [ME and e.m.E. sonke (Trevisa), sunke (1601), sunk (Cotgrave); Sink v.] Depressed, fallen in. Cf. Sunken ppl. adj. b, of which this may simply be a further example. [Cf. also e.m.E. sunk-in (parts of the scull), sunke-in (eyes) (both Cotgrave).]. —c1700 Bell Trial of Witchcraft in Law Memor. xxxii (Jam. s.v. Hallow).
The witch mark is sometimes like a blew spot, … ; sometimes also the flesh is sunk in and hallow
