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: 1597, 1649-1661
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Cantrip, Cantrap, n. Also: cantryp, -trep, -trop; crantrump. [Of obscure origin.] A harmful spell or charm.1597 Misc. Spald. C. I. 85.
Thow persewing Alexander Thomsoun, mariner, cumand furth of Abirdene to his schip, rann betuixt him and Alexander Fidleris dur, … [and] keist thy cantryps in his way 1597 Ib. 89.
Thow com doun the stair and keist thi cantrappis and witchecraft in hir way 1597 Ib. 132.
Thow keist thy cantrapis and wichecraft on his guidis 1597 Ib. 157; etc.
Thy vytchcraft, cantrepis, and inchantment 1597 Ib.158.
Thow … caist your crantrumpis and inchantment vpone him1649 Cupar Presb. 147.
The said Elspet did cast a cantrep on hir kow, that she wold not eate nor give milk 1661 Proceedings of Society of Antiquaries XXII. 249.
She had wronged Thomas Webster … by casting ane cantrop before his doore
