A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Bek, Beck, v. [ME. bekke, becke (c 1300), app. a shortening of beckne(n ‘beckon’.] intr. To make a gesture of respect; to bow or curtsy.a1500 Colk. Sow i. 311.
Sum bekkit, sum bingit [in dancing] c1500-c1512 Dunb. xiii. 20.
Sum beckis full law … Wald luke full heich war not the Sessioun 1535 Stewart 1554.
In his hand his heid that he man hald, And bek till him … And call him Schir Ib. 37775.
Bekkand with bayth his kneis 1531 Bell. Boece II. 275.
Every Inglisman sall bek and discover his heid, quhen he met ane Dane a1568 Scott i. 83.
Thai bad thame bek and bynge at deid mennis banes 1581 Burne Disput. 154 b. Vthers … bekkit wery laich to him, callen him ‘your grace’ at ilk word; Melville Mem. 261.
Ve fal done on kneis, ve discouer our headis, ve bek befoir god and onie vardlie prince c1650 Spalding I. 36.
As thir bischopis who wes in seruice past by this crucifix, thay war sein to bow and bek
