Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Kay, n. [e.m.E. and ME. Cf. Key n.¹] A key. — 1558 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I. 294.
For ane new kay makeing to ane hengand lok to the Quenis graic chalmer dur 1603 Reg. Privy C. VI. 565.
The said James ... obtenit laufull possessioun of the said duelling place ... and hes the kayis of the same 1619 St. A. Baxter Bks. 82.
Keipar of the kayis of the box, … Honiman; kepar of the key of the vritis kist, … Duncansoun 1633 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II. 383.
For thrie new kayes with ane new kay for the platfurme l s. 1669 J. Meikle Old Session Bk. (1918) 15.
Amongst many other ceremonies … be cawsed the bible with the kayes of the churche door be presented to him