A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Tant, Taunt, v. [e.m.E. tant- (1513), taunt (1515).] a. tr. To taunt; to mock, scorn. b. intr. To behave, speak (etc.) tauntingly or scornfully. —a. 1558-66 Knox I 39.
And thus he mearelie tanted thare trystis of hurdome and adulterye 1596 Dalr. II 8/11.
This man … the Bruse mirrilie tantis, and sayis [etc.] —b. 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 180/4.
Tempering it [eloquence] uith grauite, quikenes, or mirrienes according to the subiect … not taunting in theologie [etc.] 1603 Philotus 394.
How durst thow trumper be sa bald To tant or tell, that he was ald
