A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pill, v. Also: pyl, pell. [e.m.E. and ME. pylle (Manning), pil (Rolle), pill (c 1533), to pillage, also to decorticate, beside ME. pile (n (c 1300), pilien (13th c.), appar. obs. after c 1450, late OE. pyleð (12th c. MS.), inflected form of *pilian, pylian, appar. f. L. pilāre make bare of hair ( ? and of skin): cf. F. piller (see Pillé v.) and Pele v.1] tr. To rob, plunder or despoil. —1549 Ex. Processes (Reg. H.) J. de Complude v. Robertson.
Thair saidis gudis … pellitt and spulȝeit 1586 Cal. Sc. P. IX. 150.
That practik for to pike & pill [Bann. peill] the pure; (Henr.) III. 170/20 (Bass.). Quhilk schyp … is haillelye spulȝeit and pillit of hir haill guidis 1600-1610 Melvill 257.
Ane of our creares retourning from Eingland was unbesett be an Einglis pirat, pilled and [etc.] 1606 Calderwood VI. 533 (see Pol(l v. 2). 1613 Conv. Burghs II. 390.
If it salhappin any schips … to be robbit or pylat be pirattis [etc.]
