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.
Underco(a)t, v. [e.m.E. vndercot (1584).] intr. In fig. contexts: To fester inwardly, suppurate under a scab. —1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. 315.
The outward scroof … where the inward is festered, availeth nothing, but maketh it to undercoat again 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 172.
Those who never had sick nights or days in conscience for sin, cannot have but such a peace with God as will undercoat and break the flesh again 1669 Fleming Fulfilling Scripture i (1726) 77.
Too soon letting out of a sore may cause it undercot and gather new matter
