A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Unbocht, ppl. adj. Also: wnbocht, onboycht. [ME and e.m.E. unbocht (a1200); Bocht ppl. adj.] Chiefly in fig. context. a. predic. Without the necessity of paying; free of charge. b. attrib. That has not yet been paid for; still unobtained. —a. a1500 Bk. Chess 733.
Wyn I the men the gud is myne vnbocht All gud in erd till honour compt I nocht 1535 Stewart 54445.
To tyne ane freind ane vther for to wyn, Quhen thow vnbocht ma haif thi freindis bayth With small reward 1567 G. Ball. 202.
Gif ȝe will geue thame caip or bell The clink thairof thay will ȝow sell … Ȝe get na thing vnbocht a1570-86 Maitl. F. 439/71.
Thai gett ane meir onboycht And sua thai think thai ryd for nocht —b. 1535 Stewart 33861.
About Hubba and … Hungar Amang thame self discordit … As tha had baith that tyme bene in thair handis … And thus tha strave about [ane] wnbocht gait
