Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

Laik, v. Also: layk, laykk-, lake, lak. [North. and north midl. ME. laik(e (a 1300), layk(e, layky, leyke (c 1300), lake (? 15th c.), and north. and north midl. e.m.E. laak, lake, ON. leika (= OE. lácan which, however, appar. did not survive). Very common, as lake, laik, leyk, leak, laak, etc., in mod. north. and north midl. Eng. dial. but appar. not in Sc.] intr. (also reflex.) To play, sport, also amorously; to amuse oneself. b. To dally, amuse oneself idly, idle. c1420 Wynt. ii. 1272.
As this Queyne apon a day Hyr laykand [C. laykkande] in a medow lay c1420 Ratis R. 1242.
For resone … may nocht lat that eild to laik, Now at the lwm, now at the killis, Now at the prop [etc.] Ib. 1339.
For than may thow baith gang & ryd, And ȝhit begyne to laik besyde a1500 Seven S. 2765.
He lakit oft with the lady Quhen euer thai plesit full preuely c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 500 (Ch. & M.).
And gif his lust so be lent in to my lyre quhit That he be lost or with me lak his lif sall not danger 1580-92 James VI Lusus Reg. 26.
As salmound in fresh riueris spaunis As selchis haif milk & young onis laik in graunisb. a1578 Pitsc. (1814) xxiv.
As thoucht it war more semlie for the honest to laik, then comlie by exercise of sum honest airt to gett thair liveing