A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1566-1599, 1669
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Bak-water, -watter, n. [ME. bakwatere (1387), e.m.E. backwater (1577).] Excess water in a mill-race. Also fig. Also attrib. with clous.1566 Peebles B. Rec. 303.
Except alanerle … that the said millis standis on bak watter be swperflws flwdis 1598 Aberd. B. Rec. II. 175.
The prouest and baillies ordanis Alexander Merschall mylvart at the nather mylne ... to mak a bak water clous [pr. claiss] . . at the south nuik of Stevinsounes yard 1599 Edinb. B. Rec.V. 255.
That William Fiddes … sall fey and conduce four men for aucht dayes to cast the bakwater off Lyndsayes miln 1669 Lauderdale P. II. 191.
I gave him the second part to the sam tune, bot mor hom, till his eye stood bak watter as we say
