A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1596-1639
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(Uncanny,) Uncannie, adj. Also: uncany, -kannie. [Canny adj.] a. Malicious, mischievous. b. ? Aggressive, threatening. c. Unreliable, untrustworthy; incautious. —a. 1596 Dalr. II 58/24.
Sum now, vncannie sawers, sew sum causes of contentioun betuene the Chanceller and the Gouernour —b. 1631 Kirkcaldy Presb. 33.
Order to be taken for restraining uncany begers —c. 1638 Baillie I 100.
I [was] … made hopefull he would not suffer it be spoiled by the imprudencie of mony uncannie hands which are about it 1639 Baillie I 211.
To make all, without dinn, march forward, leist his unkannie trewes-men should light on to call them up in their rear
