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.
Unspokin, -en, p.p. Also: unspokyn, wnspokyn, -en, onspokin. [Late ME and e.m.E. vnspokun (c1449), unspoken (1461); Spek(e v.]
1. Not spoken of.1375 Barb. xv 268.
To King Robert will we gang that we haff left wnspokyn [C. vnspokyn] of lang
2. Without being spoken to.a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 448.
Of proud persons … He spils unspoken [MS wnspoken] to
3. Without speaking, without having spoken. b. specif. As a superstitious practice in folk medicine. Also in the later dial. (see SND, s.v. Unspoken ppl. adj.).1640 Aberd. Council Lett. II 241.
Robert Lummisden come upon … George Watt befoir he was awar of him and unspokin … strak him with a trieb. 1594 Elgin Rec. II 39.
Janet Cuming bad her … go [to] the place of the kirk whair Grissall Urrellis first barne ves bureit and thair unspokin tak up ane handfull of meildis 1597 Misc. Spald. C. I 171.
Thow weische James Cheyn in Peine … with south rynnand watter … and causit his awin hyre woman bring in the watter vnspokin(b) 1596–7 Misc. Spald. C. I 91.
To remeid her barm againe … first the said Jonet … commandit the said Katherine … to rys airlie befoir the sone, on betechit hir self to God and on spokin [etc.]
4. absol. That which is not spoken.a1568 Bann. MS 217a/8, 24.
Onsped speche bettir vnspokin be … Ȝit sall I speik, vnspokin can nocht speid
