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.
Undocht, -do(u)ght, n. Also: undoch(e, wndocht, -dought, undooght, ondocht. [? f. do(u)cht, p.t. of Dow v.1 to be of use or value, to be able or fit to do something, or ? ME douȝt (c1320), dought (Manning) doughty, valiant, mighty. Also, as un-, o(o)n- and wandocht, in the later dial. Cf. NFris. ündöght worthless person, WFris. on-, ûnducht corrupt or morbid matter, Flem. (obsol.) ondocht a worthless kind of crab.] A weak or worthless individual; a good-for-nothing.(a) a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 507 (Ch. & M.).
Tak thé a fidill or a floyte et geste Wndought [OUP Undought, B., M. vndocht] thou art ordanyt to not ellis 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2940 (Ch.).
Quhat devil raks thé of our preiching, vndocht? a1605 Montg. Flyt. 454 (T).
Let nevir this vndoche [H. vndoght] of evill doing irk a1585 Polwart Flyt. 624 (T).
Pryde, ire, and invy, that vndoche [H. vndooght] abvsit 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 181/643.
Suearnes … Quho laschelie dreamis both nicht & day, a barren undocht eik ?c1675 J. Gordon Hist. II 134.
Mr. George Graham the undoch of bishops, had gotten the bishoprick of Dumblane the excrement of bishopricks 1679 Wodrow Hist. IV (1830) 501.
Mr. Brown being removed, they will have little to do to trample upon the poor undought that is left behind c1680 McWard Serm. 27.
Seeing himself at such a loss … by a company of undoughts, as they are juged; yea nothings(b) 1513 Doug. vii vii 33.
Wylt thou suffir this ondocht [Sm. wndocht, Ruddim. vndocht] Thy lang travale and laubour be for nocht
