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.
Unlace, v. Also: unlais, onlace. P.p. unlaist, -laissit. [ME and e.m.E. vn-lace (c1350); Lace v.] tr.
1. To unlace, unfasten the laces of (a garment). Also transf., of a clothed body. Also fig. Only p.p. b. To undo the hair (Lok n.2) (erron. in Lok n.1 plur. (a)).c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 953.
Her courlyke kirtill was vnlaist c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 986.
With that, hir kirtill wes vnlaissittransf. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 294.
Sall neuer my likame be laid vnlaissit to sleip Quhill I haue gart yone berne bowfig. c1590 Fowler I 57/252.
I know how that a gentle mynd is suddanlie disgraist And how that be a litill cord it stronglie is vnlaist When it is left vnto hir selff, disarmed of reasonb. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 369.
Than the ledis belife the lokkis vnlaissis
2. Appar. erron. for onlace, to lace on, attach by means of a lace or laces.1513 Doug. xi Prol. 102 (Ruddim.).
Rais hie the targe of fayth vp in thy hand. On hede the halesum helme of hope vnlace [C., Sm. onlace] … Stand at defence and schrink not
