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.
Quotation dates: 1499-1535
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Unwist, p.p. Also: wnwist, -wyst, onwist. [ME and e.m.E. vnwist, -wyst, on-wist (all Chaucer); wist, p.p. of Wit v.] a. Of a person: Unknown, unrecognised. b. Of a fact, event, action or matter: Not known, (occurring) without the knowledge of another, unknown to another.a. a1500 Lancelot of the Laik 269.
Nor mony assemblay that Gawane gart be maid To wit his [sc. Lancelot's] name; nor how that he hyme hade Wnwistb. (1) a1500 Lancelot of the Laik 219.
How he fra that stede In sacret wys wnwyst away was tak(2) a1500 Lancelot of the Laik 1139.
Prevaly, unwist of any wicht, The way the red knycht to the cete taiis 1535 Stewart 7139.
Rycht quietlie … Vnder ane fell wnsene tha gart him ryde Rycht subtillie, vnwist of ony wicht(b) 1535 Stewart 60225.
Donald … Into Lochquhaber landit on the nycht, Onwist of thame or ony vther wicht(3) a1500 Lancelot of the Laik 658.
To your folk this mater is wnwist
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"Unwist p.p.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/unwist>
