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.
Uncover, v. [ME and e.m.E. vn-couer (Cursor M.), on-couere (1507); Cover v.1] tr. To remove the cover or covering of (something); to expose, lay bare. Only p.t. and p.p.p.t. 1674 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. IV 214.
[They] uncovered the chimney of the chamberp.p. a1400 Leg. S. xxxvii 236.
The self bowelis als saw he In gret part vncouerit be 1561 Q. Kennedy Compendious Ressonyng (ed.) 181 (G).
Takand this bauge vpone sic part off thair body as is maist commonlye ay vncoverit (viz.) the foirheyd 1640 Proceedings of the Commissioners from the Parliament of Scotland 80.
Neither is there any other difference of the one from the other, but … such as is of a march-stone hid in the ground and uncovered
b. Not furnished with a cover or covering.(a) 1612 Bk. Rates (Halyb.) 305.
Flagones of glase covered with wicker … with leather … vncouered [etc.](b) 1565 St. Andrews Priory Inventory in Hay Fleming The Reformation in Scotland (1910) 611.
In the lauche chalmer four stullis oncoverit 1612 Glasgow B. Rec. I 333.
Vnderstanding … the karieing of ingle doun the said vennell oncoverit to be verie dangerous
c. specif., of a person: With head uncovered.1650 Misc. Maitl. C. II 482.
Then going cheirfullye on the cart, he, being oncovered, was by the hangman tyed therto by ropis
