A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Uncouthlike, Unco-like, adj. and adv. Also: uncowth lyk, unkie-like. [Uncouth adj. Also in the later dial.] a. Of a rough, unprepossessing or distasteful appearance or demeanour. b. Unusual, unfamiliar, uncanny, weird. c. adv. In a strange or distant manner.a. 1597 James VI Dæmonol. (STS) 36/18.
[The Devil] makes himselfe to seeme more terrible to the grosser sorte … and les monstrous and vncouthlike againe to the craftier sorte, least … they might … skunner at his vglinesse 1662 Crim. Trials III 610.
Any … ar set to doo yow evill, they will look vncowth lyk thraun … hurlie lyk, and thair clothes standing owt(b) 1662 Reid Auchterarder 243.
Sathan had all the said times black coloured cloathes and ane blue bonnet being an unkie-like manb. 1638 Henderson Serm. 468.
There are divers strange and unco-like words used herec. adv. 1636 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 148.
Christ … looked fremed and unco-like upon me when I came first here; but I believe Himself better than His looks. I shall not again quarrel Christ for a gloom, now He hath taken the mask off His face 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 308.
I lie often, unco-like, looking at the King's windows
