A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Prik-, Pric(k)lous, n. [e.m.E. (north.) pricklouse (1587), e.m.E. prick-lice (1668), mod. Eng. prick-lowse (1709), thereafter Sc. and Eng. dial.; Prik v. 1, Lous n.] One who pricks the louse, a contemptuous designation of a tailor. —c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxvii 5 (B).
Betuix a telȝour and ane sowtar, A pricklous [A., M. priklous] and ane hobbell clowttar c1530-40 Stewart Flyt. Sowtar & Tailȝour in a1568 Bann. MS 140 a/22.
Peild priclous of ane pudding pryce
