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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Nocht, Noucht, Noght, Nought, Noch, Nouch, n. and adv. Also: nochte, noht(t, noct(h, noyht; nowcht; noche, nogh; nowt; noth(t, nothe, nouth(t; noȝt. [ME. noht, noȝt, noght, nouȝt, nouht, ME. and e.m.E. nought, ME. noh (13th c.), nogh (14 c.), ME. (12–13th c.) and e.m.E. nout, early ME. also nowiht, OE. nóht, nówiht: cf. Naucht adv., No adv.³, and Not adv. and n.]In certain instances some of the forms exemplified below, esp. nocht, no doubt represent editorial expansions of MS. abbreviated forms, of which not is much the commonest.

Nought, nothing; not.Where the verb can be either trans. or intrans. and there is no other direct object, it may be uncertain whether nocht is to be taken as the noun (i.e. the direct object) or the adv.: see e.g. 1 (2) below, and examples with verbs such as Avail v. 1 (a), Care v. 1, Cure v.¹ 2 b, Dow v.¹ 1, Help v. 3 b, Mak v. 19 a, etc.Also freq. richt nocht.

A. noun. Nought, nothing. 1. Nothing, not anything, in various constructions and applications.Oucht na nocht, see Ocht n.Nocht (ellis) bot, see also Bot prep. A 1 c and Ellis adv. 1 and cf. B 8a below.(1) 1375 Barb. ii. 61.
But thai fand nocht a1400 Leg. S. xxx. 234.
That scho wald tel hyr … & lef vnsad til hir richt nocht 14.. Reg. Maj. c. 153.
Than he sal rycht nocht pay for herȝelde c1420 Wynt. v. 3922.
Lypnand noucht till hyr serwandys c1450-2 Howlat 59.
I dar do nocht on the day 1456 Hay I. 233/2.
For the law sais that nocht has nocht pays c1475 Wall. iii. 303. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1180.
Noght a1500 Rauf C. 908.
It seruis of nocht 1494 Loutfut MS. 21 b.
That quhit thingis war richt nocht till him a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 672 (Harl.).
That ane noth nedis that vthir may nocht redeme c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxxiii. 59. 1549 Compl. 1/5. 1559–60 Soc. Ant. XI. 521.
And as to the payment [etc.] … sche rememberis nocht 1566 Prot. Bk. James Foulis MS. 113.
Quhateuir he ordanis to be payit quhether les mekle or nocht 1567 Sat. P. iv. 181.
In earth … sen nocht is permanent a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 161.
Better lang little nor soon right nought 1611-57 Mure Psalmes cxix. 21.
Besyde Thy judgements noght, no time, contents(2) a1400 Leg. S. xvi. 315.
Thu … nocht gyffis thame of thi gud Ib. i. 73. ?1438 Alex. ii. 3887. c1420 Wynt. vi. 1278.
And wyst rycht noucht off this perylle Ib. iii. 326; etc. 14.. Acts I. 32/2.
Gif [the leper] … has nocht of his awne c1475 Wall. ii. 363, iv. 148. a1500 Quare Jel. 42. c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 5/1.
The enemy wate nocht of ane of thai na wald nocht ane of thaim 1535 Stewart 35690.
Be gentill men that had nocht of thair awin 1562-3 Winȝet I. 59/31. 1638 Baillie I. 71.
Nought(3) a1400 Leg. S. iv. 53.
That he had nocht to say hym till Ib. xxxi. 167. 1400 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 48.
Gyf thar be nocht tyl assith thaim of hys awin mofabyl gude 14.. Burgh Laws c. 24 (B).
Gyf a burges … has nocht to pay it c1450-2 Howlat 994.
That nocht till allow is 1456 Hay I. 148/28. c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 182.
That thai with him haid nocht ado a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 1140. c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxii. 78.
I say nocht, schir, ȝow to repreif a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. xiv. 13.
Haue nocht to do with vther mennis falis(4) a1400 Leg. S. x. 472.
That nocht wes lewit that mycht be sene ?1438 Alex. ii. 81, 3637. c1420 Wynt. ix. 1608. ?14.. Ship Laws 1 in c1500 Harl. MS. c. 5.
Gif he sellis nocht to the avale of xii d. c1475 Wall. viii. 959.
Contrar Wallace he wald nocht giff battaill Nor byd in feild for nocht at thai mycht say a1500 K. Hart. 36.
So wes thair nocht in erde that ever micht bring [etc.] 1535 Stewart 58313. Ib. 16867.
Nocht worth ane fle he tuke into his gait 1575 Misc. Maitl. C. I. 120.
That hes nocht quhairupoun to sustene thame selfis 1638 Baillie I. 83.
Upon hopes … quickly to obtaine ane Archbishopricke, he is for nocht laigher(5) 1405 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 58.
Bot sic complaynt … availȝeit litil or nocht c1420 Wynt. vii. 2690.
Thai … litill had to gyve or noucht Ib. viii. 4250.
All that he wrowcht Lytill helpyt him or rycht nowcht Ib. 6825, ix. 2805. 1443 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I. 415.
Yhe haf done litle or nought to [etc.] 1533 Boece vi. xiv. 213 b. 1544 Corr. M. Lorraine 95.
Noucht(6) a1400 Leg. S. iii. 1007.
[That] he wald haf met Before the bischope ore ellis nocht Ib. vii. 322.
Thocht thai dange him, neuir-the-lese He mycht nocht say till tham ellis Ib. xxvi. 294 (see Ellis adv. 1). c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxiii. 80.
My mynd so fer is set to flyt, That of nocht ellis I can endyt 1513 Doug. iv. Prol. 197.
Ȝow to deflour purposyng and nocht ellys 1560 Rolland Seven S. 787.
Thair was nocht ellis ado(7) a1400 Leg. S. xxxviii. 591.
[She] nocht with hire bare Bot Adryanis hand but mare ?1438 Alex. ii. 3455. c1420 Wynt. v. 5279.
Inwyus He [God] had bene sene Gyff noucht bot He full gud had bene Ib. vi. 1492.
Quhen noucht wes bot he suld de Ib. viii. 2432. a1500 Henr. Orph. 257 (Ch. & M.). c1515 Asl. MS. I. 167/28.
That men ar nocht bot a cubit lang a1500 Seven S. 583.
Thar was nocht than bot on the morne This child was iugit [etc.] Ib. 1949.
For he nocht wist Bot ȝe had bene thai that him mist 1504 Dunferm. B. Rec. 146. 1531 Bell. Boece I. 166. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 1605. 15.. Sym & Bruder 130.
He mycht nocht do bot blatter 1562-3 Winȝet I. 86/5. 1585 James VI Ess. 27, 70. 1611-57 Mure Misc. P. iv. 22.
The frouning faits … Noch bot our mynds permits to meet(8) a1400 Leg. S. xxxiv. 47.
For scho had e to nocht ellis Bot [etc.] 1456 Hay I. 161/16.
A sely pure man … that can nocht ellis do bot sitt on the felde [etc.] c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3279.
Than was nocht ellis bot owtheran tak or sla 1533 Boece vi. xii. 210 b. 15.. James V in Misc. Spald. C. II. 193.
Nochtelleys bot God kyep yow c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 655.

b. For nocht: To no purpose, in vain, fruitlessly; without payment, free; for no reason.Also c. for half nocht, ‘for half of nothing’, for very little, at a giveaway price.b. (1) ?1438 Alex. i. 486.
Ȝe carp for nocht 1456 Hay II. 52/29.
A knycht bot he be of gude faith, all is for nocht that he dois c1475 Wall. ii. 186, viii. 1456. a1500 Rauf C. 491. 1513 Doug. ii. ix. 6.
The auld grayth, al for nocht, to him [he] tays Ib. vii. v. 32. Ib. ix. iv. 130.
For nocht thou says sik wordis vane Ib. xi. xi. 106. 1535 Stewart 40386.
His fals beleif that tyme wes all for nocht c1552 Lynd. Mon. 1428.
And sum to heychast montanis fleis, … Bot all for nocht 1567 G. Ball. 102. 1596 Dalr. I. 244/1. a1605 Montg. Misc. P. viii. 13.(2) 1456 Hay I. 137/8.
It is lyke as he come of purpos to serve for noucht c1530-40 Stewart 3821. Bann. MS. 32 a/14.
Sen better is ane wisdome that is bocht Than other tua that gottin ar for nocht a1585 Maitl. Q. lxx. 72. a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS. No. 1483.
Work for noght maks fok dead sueir 1651 Burnett Fam. P.
Gratis or for nought, unpaying any thing therfor(3) a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 332.
He loves me for little, that hates me for nought a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 965.
It is not for nocht the cat winkedc. 1577 Waus Corr. 143.
For I haif for fryndschippis caus gewin yow that land for half nocht

2. a. Chiefly predicative and in the phrases of and at nocht: (Someone or something of) no worth, substance, consequence or importance.(1) ?1438 Alex. ii. 4038.
For al his boist I count him nocht 1456 Hay II. 52/35.
But faith, man is wer na nocht c1475 Wall. xi. 289. 1490 Irland Mir. fol. 191 b.
And I am nocht in the regard of him [St. Paul] a1500 Seven S. 962.
He countis ȝow nocht haf he ȝour crovne c1520-c1535 Nisbet III. 347. a1585 Maitl. Q. lxxv. 14.
For I the samyn freind have tryid full oft And found his honestie but euer nocht(2) a1400 Leg. S. i. 278.
Than Petir sa agayne hym wrocht At all sic spech he mad of nocht c1420 Ratis R. 619.
Gret lordschip … Beand foroutin cherytee, Than it is as a thing of nocht c1508 Ch. & M. Prints ii b.62.
A myghty bischop in a cointre of nought a1570-86 Maitl. F. clxxiv. 15.
Thai ar faine to grie for thing off nocht(3) c1420 Ratis R. 1250.
For thar is aithis set at nocht Ib. 1266. c1500 Fyve Bestes 415.
Curage throw covatis is set at nocht c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxxiv. 5. c1552 Lynd. Mon. 2185.
Dede ymagis thay held at nocht — c1475 Wall. x. 235.
Thair power is at nocht(4) a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 105.
A foole is fain of richt nocht

b. (To bring etc., and to come etc.) to or till (also at) extinction, destruction, ruin, overthrow.(1) 1456 Hay I. 45/35. Ib. 54/35.
The Vegenes … discomfyt thame … and putt thame to nocht Ib. II. 68/31.
Bot scho destroyis ande puttis to nocht the noble … confraternitee of knychthede c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 2844. c1475 Wall. x. 154.
That fals traytour … Is … lyk till bryng this realm till nocht 1494 Loutfut MS. 6 b.
And the said office wes put to richt gret ruyne and amast to rycht nocht c1500-c1512 Dunb. xliv. 9.
Wo wirth the fruct wald put the tre to nocht 1535 Stewart 22695. 1549 Compl. 79/3.
& all verteous industrie sal be brocht to nocht 1562-3 Winȝet II. 21/18.
Sen than nocht onlie smal thingis bot the maist heich wes doung almaist to nocht 1596 Dalr. I. 53/24.
Forfare … of na reputatione is haldne bot brocht to nocht c1650 Spalding I. 136.
[They] brocht all to nocht quhilk wes within that hous — c1552 Lynd. Mon. 1902.
All thyng on erth … Weir doith distroye and puttis at nocht(2) 1560 Rolland Seven S. 1532.
Baith auld and ȝoung perischt and come to nocht a1570-86 Maitl. F. lxxviii. 6.
For all this warld sall turne to nocht a1578 Pitsc. I. 37/17.
His treasuris and riches sall come to nocht and small awaill 1596 Dalr. I. 157/19. c1650 Spalding I. 231.
The people … culd not get it quenshit, whill it brunt to nocht

c. In plur. form. = sense a above. 1561 Q. Kennedy Compendious Ressonyng 20 b.
It giues plain persuasion, his ground in this heid to be nochtis 1562-3 Winȝet I. 21/26.
Quhilk auctoritie geue ȝe esteme as nochtis, be reasoun it wes geuin to ȝow … be ane papiste bischope Ib. 58/22.
Except only be that titill quhilk tha esteme nochtis a1568 Scott xxxv. 17.
Sall non be so off nochtis, no, Quhilk bene of cursit kind

d. Nocht worth, worth nothing, worthless. 14.. Burgh Laws c. 101 (A).
Nocht is worth at the ayr sais 1456 Hay I. 182/7.
And tharfore the obligacioun is nocht worth

3. That which is non-existent, nothingness.Common in contexts referring to the Creation.(1) a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii. 442.
God … That al the warld has mad of nocht c1420 Wynt. v. 5275.
Quhy God of nought Hys werkys all full gud had wroucht? Ib. i. 42, ix. Prol. 51, etc. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 24/11.
That has maid ws of nocht Ib. II. 7/7. c1500-c1512 Dunb. xlvi. 44. 1533 Gau 33/28. Ib. /23.
Na thing culd be maid of noth 1540 Lynd. Sat. 3457. c1552 Id. Mon. 246. a1585 Maitl. Q. lxvi. 132. 1587-99 Hume ii. 37.(2) 1490 Irland Mir. I. 31/36.
All creaturis … wauld turne jn noucht, ware nocht that he sustenis thaim throu his wertu

b. Nought, zero, in arithmetic. 1588 King Cat. vi.
Giff nocht restis, the divisor 19 sall be it

B. adv. Not.Throughout the period the regular general adverb of negation.

1. Modifying a simple tense of an ordinary verb.a. Immediately following the verb. b. When there is a personal pronoun object or, with inverted word-order, subject, the pronoun normally intervenes. Also rarely, nocht ellis. c. Preceding the verb. (Chiefly in verse.)a. (a) 1375 Barb. xx. 434 (E).
He had nocht with him our ten [etc.] Ib. iv. 703, etc. a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii. 248, etc. 1397 Acts I. 208/2.
That he risis nocht with the Kingis officeris Ib. 90*/2.
Gif ony be noȝt bruther of this gyld 14.. Edinb. Univ. MS. La.ii.318.
Thairfor sum tyme god wochis nocht sayfe That [etc.] c1475 Wall. v. 172.
He wist nocht weill giff thai war tayne or slayne a1500 Rauf C. 284.
I rid nocht ȝe fair a1500 Seven S. 2743.
Quhy art thow dum & answeris nocht? 1502–3 Mill Mediæv. Plays 118.
Thai dide nocht it that accordit thame to do 1513 Doug. i. Prol.405.
I say nocht this of Chauser for offens 1521 Douglas Corr. 80. 1530 Aberd. B. Rec. I. xxxvii. 1533 Gau 15/18, 57/3, etc. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2602.
Quha labouris nocht he salh not eit 1551 Prot. Bk. Sir Wm. Corbet 16. 1561 Fam. Rose 235.
We dowt nocht bot ye will dw a1578 Pitsc. I. 326/9. 1596 Dalr. I. 77/24. 1609 Breadalbane Lett. 28 Dec.
I … com nocht hame quhill now 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. ii. 69.
I furthered noht 1622-6 Bisset II. 80/10. 1627 Haddington Corr. 157.(b) 1385 3rd Rep. Hist. MSS. App. 410/2.
Gif thai come noucht c1420 Wynt. vii. 152.
He set nowcht by thare mane a myte Ib. viii. 2246.
The Cwmynys … Welle luwyd noucht Willame the Walays a1500 Henr. Orph. 273 (Ch. & M.). 1520 Fife Sheriff Ct. 170.
He gat noucht the coppy c 1575 Annandale Corr. 273.
We rak nowcht how mony honest men kene [etc.](c) c1460 Thewis Gud Women 79.
Oys noght flityng a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 161.(d) c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 406.
Be this, ȝe belief may, I luffit nought him self(e) 1428 Liber Melros 520.
Bot the quantite tharof thai knew noth 1456 Hay I. 118/12. 1457 Peebles B. Rec. I. 125.
The qwylk the said Gorg sayd he auch noch 1533 Gau 86/12.
Or that ve mak noth Thé our inime 1562-3 Winȝet II. 30/8.
He said noth [etc.] c 1585–6 Waus Corr. 348.
Be caus thay gat noth ane fyve yeir takb. (1) 1375 Barb. i. 246.
Yheyt has he nocht sa mekill fre As [etc.] a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii. 727. 1400 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 44.
Mervaile yhe nocht that I write [etc.] ?1438 Alex. ii. Prol. 14.
All lyke hir nocht Ib. 4366; etc.
He coft it nocht c1420 Wynt. i. 598.
Noucht Ib. vii. 72.
Nowcht 1456 Hay I. 138/7. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 161.
Noght c1475 Wall. iii. 237.
It helpis ws rycht nocht c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 5/5. a1500 Seven S. 2707.
Knaw ȝe nocht me? c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 223.
And handill me nought sair Id. Flyt. 140. a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 334.
Do thou nocht thus … thou salbe brynt c1500-c1512 Dunb. xli. 1. 1519 Fife Sheriff Ct. 149. 1557 Inverness Rec. I. ii. 1567 G. Ball. 19.
Leid us nocht into temptatioun a1568 Bann. MS. 268 b/38.
Call ȝe nocht this ane kankert cais? a1578 Pitsc. I. 252/5. 1585 James VI Ess. 56. 1588 King Cat. fol. 2 b.
Behaldes thow noch [etc.] 1624 Moray Synod 7.
Seeing thei haunt it [the kirk] noth when [etc.](2) c1450-2 Howlat 301.
Quhen thai consauit had the cais … hove thai nocht ellisc. 14.. Edinb. Univ. MS. La.ii.318.
He that his wif nocht that tyme sparis c1460 Thewis Gud Women 190.
At e nocht seis, hart nocht ȝarnis a1500 Henr. III. 150/8.
The quhilk … ȝe nocht vnderstude a1500 Rauf C. 767.
Suppois thay thé nocht ken a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 592. a1500 K. Hart 807. a1500 Seven S. 883, 1431. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 187.
Thoght he nought list pische Ib. 258. Id. iv. 62.
Allace! that he [Death] nought with ws lewit Schir Mungo Lokert c1536 Lynd. Compl. Bagsche 109. a1585 Arbuthnot Maitl. Q. xxxvii. 41.
Thow nocht invy, thocht [etc.] 1596 Dalr. I. 6/1.
Mekle esier ȝe sall expone quhat it nocht beiris, than quhat it beiris 1604-31 Craig v. 12.
Nought

d. With do (see Do v. 4). 1522 Fife Sheriff Ct. 175.
Witht certificacione to our said schiref & he do nocht that we … will [etc.] a1540 Freiris Berw. 541 [see Do v. B 4 (a)].

2. a. With auxiliary verbs with a (chiefly following) infin. without to. Also ellipt.(1) 1375 Barb. v. 189.
He durst nocht ysche out 1391 Antiq. Aberd. & B. IV. 163. 1393 Chart. T. Dunbar MS. (Reg. H.).
And this … we wil nocht thole 1400 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 48.
Faylȝand at it may nocht be gotyn c1420 Ratis R. 1559. c1450-2 Howlat 235.
Confes cleir can I nocht, nor kyth all the cas 1456 Hay II. 165/1.
Thou can nocht, na may nocht estymy the paynis that [etc.] a1500 Seven S. 542.
That he chape nocht micht c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxii. 28.
Quhy will ȝe nocht releif 1550 Grey Friars II. ii.
Quhy the samin sould nocht be done 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9675. 1562-3 Winȝet I. 53/33.
I … suld notht hef bene iugeit be the waik a1570-86 Maitl. Fol. clxxii. 13.
Giff thow do nocth deserue That blot a1578 Pitsc. I. 8/14.
Bot euer alaice he did nocht lang indure a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 709 (L).
Quhy may nocht we twa leid this ane? 1596 Dalr. Prol. 2/14. 1616 Crim. Trials III. 387.
That he can nocht be ressauit vpone this assyse(b) c1420 Wynt. v. 3673.
Can thow noucht ken [etc.] Ib. 3807.
And let noucht stek agayne me The yhete of hewyn Ib. viii. 5798.
Tharoff abaysyd suld we noucht be 1490 Irland Mir. I. 104/11. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 8.(c) 1384 Acts I. 349/2.
In cas thay may noght let it 1398 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 38. 1442 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 8.
And quhasa will noght riese 1447 Ib. 15. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 275. a1586 Maitland Geneal. Setoun 19.
He wald noght rander the toun(d) c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 607. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 488.
That mai nought, for the thik thrang, thrif as thai wald Ib. 120.(e) 1389 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 17.
That we sal noch recunyse [etc.] 1416 Liber Melros 539.
We might noth gudli dresse us to melle tharwith 1437 Reg. Dunferm. 285.
Bath the partis sel kepe lauchful stent & noth excede 1511 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 107. 1533 Gau 11/4, 66/2; etc. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 981. a1561 Q. Kennedy Breif Tract (ed.) 122/24.
The blessed body … is nocht nor ȝit can noch be realy in the sacrament a1568 Bann. MS. 280 a/40.
Bot I wat not quhat That can noth be without thame 1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. ii. 1606 Melrose Reg. Rec. I. 24.(f) 1396 Sc. Ant. XIV. 218.
At he may nouth mak fre 1453 Douglas Bequest (No. 108) XII. i.
And wyll nouch cum to the sayd daye(2) 1456 Hay I. 30/8.
[They] nocht will ces of craving quhill [etc.] 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. xx. 5.
My muse, quhich noght doth challenge worthy fame(3) a1400 Leg. S. Prol. 31.
Quha-sa wil nocht, sal haf blam ?1438 Alex. i. 259.
That I will nocht, perfay 1457 Peebles B. Rec. I. 124.
And geyf thai wil noch the lard wil [etc.] a1500 Bk. Chess 567. 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 47. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 991. a1540 Freiris Berw. 517 (B).
Gif thow dois nocht, on thy awin perrell beid(4) a 1630 S. Leith Rec. II. 280/2.
Q. Can a soull die? A. Nocht

b. With other verbs with a following infin. (chiefly with (for) to or till).(1) a1400 Leg. S. ii. 951.
As it afferyt nocht to mane To spek that thing 1389 Reg. Cambuskenneth 261.
That thai [cattle] aucht nocht for to be had out [etc.] ?1438 Alex. i. 82.
Hyrdis semit thay nocht to be c1420 Wynt. ii. 816.
That spedys noucht to rekyn here Ib. viii. 6440. c1450-2 Howlat 70.
I bid nocht to nyte 1456 Hay I. 31/35. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 810.
Noght 1490 Irland Mir. I. 22/37. a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 323. 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 479.
I schrynk nocht anys correkkit for tobe c1540 Lynd. Kitteis Conf. 57.
He counsalit me nocht till abstene a1570-86 Maitl. F. lxxx. 18.
Scho list nocht at my layr to leyr 1571 Sat. P. xxvi. 5.
Ȝe neid nocht for to feir The craft … of man 1583–4 Cal. Sc. P. VII. 32.
Fayel noct to send me answer 1652 Hossack Kirkwall 254.
That ye suffer nocht my nevoy [etc.] … to want quhat they stand … in neid off(2) ?1438 Alex. ii. 3454.
I aucht thareof nocht loued be 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 49.
God Eolus of wind list nocht appeir 1535 Stewart 29323.
I bid nocht le(3) a1500 Henr. Orph. 171 (Asl.).
And lat me nocht ga les 1533 Gau 90/11; etc.

c. Also with ellipsis of the infin. have: see Have v.¹ — 1493 Acta Aud. 180/2.
Because he maid nocht Dauid Quhithed bene contentit

3. With the auxiliary have. a1400 Leg. S. xxxii. 231.
Quhy has thou nocht … the maydine brocht? 1391 Antiq. Aberd. & B. IV. 379.
And had he trowit ony richt he had nocht lattyn it bene vnfollowit c1420 Wynt. vii. 2767.
Had he noucht thare-off dwne justys, Thai had [etc.] Ib. ix. 703. c1450 Cr. Deyng 218. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 70/20.
Thocht Adam had noucht synnit Id. Asl. MS. I. 75/3. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 314.
Nought 1533 Gau 7/1.
Noth 1567 Sempill Sat. P. viii. 12. 1576 Breadalbane Ct. Bk. 19 b.
Faileȝeing that thai haif nocht thair heid dyikis sufficientlie knit 1596–7 Warrender P. II. 311.
Ther pairt hes noch bein weil keipit 1622-6 Bisset I. 77/14. 1633 Misc. Spald. C. III. 79.

4. With, and chiefly following, the verb to be.Also with ellipsis of to be.(1) 1375 Barb. I. 58; etc.
Nocht a1400 Leg. S. ii. 496.
And low the firste that is nocht leste Ib. xxxvi. 918. c 1390 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 20.
Gyf Claxtone be noht accept 14.. Burgh Laws c. 32 a (A).
Quhat burges beis nocht at thai mutis or essonȝeis him nocht lauchfully c1450-2 Howlat 33.
All thar names to nevyn as now it nocht neid is 1456 Hay I. 137/10. a 1470 Acts XII. 27/1.
Because it vas nocht his land a1500 Bk. Chess 488.
Bot nocht sa all thai be a1500 K. Hart 18. 1533 Gau 99/25.
Notht 1538 Edinb. B. Rec. III. 92.
And vtheris that ar nocht verray fatt 1540 Lynd. Sat. 915.
Thairs nocht sic ane leg in al this land 1543 Corr. M. Lorraine 15.
That my lord governowre and the cardinall is noht agreite 1549 Compl. 106/15.
There is nocht tua nations … that ar mair … different 1551 Hamilton Cat. 49. 1587 Aberd. Chart. 349.
Notht 1611 Inverness Rec. II. 78.
Quairthrow … he is nocht abill to vin his levinge 1625 Justiciary Cases I. 20.(b) c1420 Wynt. ii. 790.
Yrland, that was noucht yhit then Inhabityde Ib. vi. 1513, ix. 1917 (C), etc. c1500-c1512 Dunb. G. Targe 158, 259. 1521 Fife Sheriff Ct. 233.
Quhilkis is noucht consonand to ressone(c) 1457 Misc. Spald. C. V. 22.
Noght 1627 Orkney Rentals iii. 73.
Ther is noght any peece of land … omitted(d) c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 671.
Nought(e) 1533 Gau 5/12.
Noth 1560 Waus Corr. 21. a1561 Q. Kennedy Breif Tract. (ed.) 145/20.
Noch 1580 Elgin Rec. I. 156.
And quhat personis thair ar noth fremen 1597 Crawford Mun. Invent. II. 209.
Bot planting of men about the King is noth esie 1602 Misc. Spald. C. II. 290.
We ar nothe to contrare your lordschip(f) 1416 Red Bk. Menteith I. 284.
It is nouch vnknowin to yhow that [etc.](g) c 1390 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 21.
Sa that the place be nowt distorbelit be processe in the mein tym(h) 1555–6 Irons Leith II. (App.) 603.
Noyht(2) c1400 Troy-bk. i. 528.
It is notht elles to be alowit c1420 Wynt. ii. 1302.
Bot that is noucht yhit all to trowe c1420 Ratis R. 314.
As it that is nocht for to do 1456 Hay I. 130/2. 1530 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 30.
Scho is bannist this toune and nocht till cum thairintill in the meyntyme 1558-66 Knox II. 446.(3) c1420 Wynt. vii. 1282.
Gret wame wyth barne scho wes that day, Hir tyme nowcht nere c1420 Ratis R. 206.
It may thé nocht to gret schathinge 1491 Acta Conc. I. 197/1.
Becaus thai war gevin without congniscioune of the caus & the partij nocht summond to ansuer(4) a1400 Leg. S. xliii. 325.
That semys & is nocht Is al that in this warld is wrocht

b. War (it) nocht, had nocht or nocht had (someone or something) bene, also gif it had nocht bene for (something), were it not, except, but (for someone or something, or const. noun clause with or without that).(Cf. Na adv.² and conj.¹ 1 b.)(1) 1375 Barb. xviii. 513 (E).
War it nocht that he war Sic a catyve c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3253.
War nocht Ladyinis … Ganestandit it the place war ȝeldit than c1475 Wall. iv. 57.
And war noucht I was bonde in my legiance We partyt noucht thus a1500 Seven S. 2395. 1533 Bell. Livy II. 90/16. 1568 Inverness Rec. I. 163.
And war nocht the bettyr reddaris [he] had slane him 1569 Reg. Privy C. II. 38.
[He] had nocht faillit to have sched greit blude, wer nocht his greitar lenitie [etc.] 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 321.
And war nocht he wes cuttit he haid lost the lyff a1578 Pitsc. I. 141/13.
War nocht the greatter obstakill and impediement 1600-1610 Melvill 25.
War nocht the luiffing cear of that man comforted me(2) 1375 Barb. xv. 386 (E).
For nocht had bene [C. had nocht beyne] his gret bounte … His men had all to dede bene dycht c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 1080 (C).
Sone had thai … tane away Hyr and delyuered had frely, Had notht Calchas bene certanly That seyd [etc.] Ib. 1280 (C).
For had he nought bene, yhet … Remaned had the toune of Troye 1544 Corr. M. Lorraine 118.
Hed nocht bein my haiste haym cumin 15.. Lichtoun Dreme 49.
And had nocht bein I loutit in that steid I had strikin ane lump out of my heid a1578 Pitsc. I. 92/16.(3) 1521 Facs. Nat. MSS. III. xv.
Gif it had nocht bene for this he fest … and als that I am sumpart accrasyt … I suld [etc.]

5. Modifying an infin. (including have and be).(1) c1460 Wisd. Sol. (S.T.S.) 361.
A man suld … mak him, quhilum, to nocht here at he heris 1456 Hay I. 190/22. Ib. 264/10.
Inhibicioun and exhortacioun to nocht mak sic unlikly repaire 1489 Prestwick B. Rec. 118.
Gene it sall happin me … to nocht optene coilis [etc.](2) 14.. Burgh Laws c. 92 (B).
Of strangeris noch to be herberyt c1450-2 Howlat 60.
I dare do nocht on the day … Nocht for schame of my schape in pert till appeir Ib. 267.
In leid nocht to layne it Ib. 917.
With vnloveable latis nocht till allow 1461 Liber Plusc. 385.
Nocht heire to leif in lustis c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3637.
And nocht to spare Gaif him ane straik of spere c1475 Wall. ii. 246. 15.. Sym & Bruder 12. 1592 Mining Rec. 80.
The generall appeiris nocht to haue red the act quhilk applyis noth the penalte … to me 1597 Conv. Burghs II. 5. 1617 Elgin Rec. II. 152.
That all the seattis … be dravin in and nocht to imped the entress(3) a1500 Bk. Chess 500.
Thai ar commandit to revele it nocht(4) c1420 Wynt. ii. 143.
And walde forthir noucht Purpos c1420 Ratis R. 988.
Than war thé bettir hald thé still And spend nocht thi gud all in ill a1500 Bk. Chess 966.
[He] … chargit him he suld cum nocht agane 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 126.
I pray ȝou note me nocht at euery word(5) c1420 Ratis R. 93.
God will thaim nocht punyst be here 1456 Hay I. 134/5.
Thai may … defend thame be armes and nocht be irregularis 1513 Doug. v. xii. 142.
Quhat is the let I may thé nocht enbrace? a1568 Scott i. 153.
Paull biddis nocht deill with thingis idolatheit

6. a. With adverbs or adverbial phrases. a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii. 474.
Nocht ȝet Ib. xvi. 499. c1420 Wynt. v. 3832.
Rewlyd noucht in all jugement 1456 Hay I. 26/29.
And nocht for knaulage of cosynage na gossappis Ib. II. 20/18.
A knycht suld nocht samekle lufe his awin ordre that [etc.] a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 30. Id. III. 151/32.
Nocht half deill hakkit c1475 Wall. vi. 932.
Nocht for my self Ib. xi. 871.
Nocht wittandly his falowis was him fra c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 24/25.
Nocht for the hele of thi persone na loving of the warld 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 24.
Na, na, noth swa c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 199.
Scho that has ane auld man nought all is begylit 1516 Reg. Privy S. I. 422/2.
Nocht nere the landis that the breif foresaid was servit of 1533 Bell. Livy I. 203/12.
The consulis invait nocht sa cruelly aganis him as [etc.] 1533 Boece viii. xiv. 284.
In this tyme, or nocht fer by 1549 Compl. 154/8.
Nocht lang syne 1562-3 Winȝet II. 54/4.
That thai haif lerit nocht weil a1578 Pitsc. I. 47/5. Ib. II. 178/4. 1593 Warrender P. II. 207.
Gif my innocencie appeare nocht altogether indoubtit 1596 Dalr. I. 97/6. 1600 Facs. Nat. MSS. III. lxxvi.
It vill be aine vary esy done twrne and nocht far by that forme

b. Modifying an adjective or participle or adjectival phrase.Nocht numerat (money), see Numerat ppl. a. 2 b. a1400 Leg. S. xxi. 688.
That [= that which] til hyme nocht lelful suld be c1420 Wynt. vii. 1616.
And usurpyd ane offys Nowcht hys awyne Ib. iii. 353, vi. 1952. 1427 Melville Chart. 21.
Alswil noch nemmyt as nemmyt 1427 Highland P. II. 157.
The lands of Edirlyng with the pertinens noth lattand the said landis to borch 1447 Newbattle Coll. (Somerville).
In defawt of the said ten markis ȝerly nocht beand payt 1453 Douglas Bequest (No. 108) XII. i.
Nouch lefand assignays … behynd ws 1456 Hay I. 119/18. Ib. 79/31, 203/32, etc.
Bot nowcht every man that is vertuous a1500 Henr. III. 150/6.
Glaikit, nocht gude 1513 Doug. xi. vii. 104.
A man nocht indegest 1503 Treas. Acc. II. 217.
For othir four verdeouris … , nocht sa gude 1531 Bell. Boece (M) II. 227. Id. Livy II. 232/1. 1549 Compl. 16/14.
I thocht it nocht necessair til hef [etc.] 1562-3 Winȝet I. 123/25.
Quhat thing sal ȝe leue nocht abolissit? 1568 Q. Mary in Ellis Orig. Lett. 1 Ser. II. (1824) 253.
Hua nocht bien aquentet vth her a1578 Pitsc. I. 13/13.
Ane sone … nocht past sex ȝeir of aige 1579 Reg. Morton I. 121.
Nocht doubting bot ȝour maisterschip will [etc.] c1600 Montg. Suppl. ii. 21.
To think me nocht constand 1596 Dalr. I. 128/3.
Quha now, nocht stane blind … wil nocht sinceirlie grant [etc.] 1601 Grant Chart. 198. 1626 Garden Worthies 100.
Nought the last nor least among the leave 1622-6 Bisset I. 193/16. Ib. II. 355/10.
That the det is awand or nocht awand c 1630 Macfarlane's Geog. Coll. II. 164.
McMaister being ane old man and noght in good friendship with his next neighbours

c. In various collocations with numerals or expressions of amount or value.Nocht litill, nocht ane lyte, not little, a great deal, considerably.(1) a1500 Colk. Sow ii. 12.
Nocht twelf ȝeir hold … of age scho haid a1578 Pitsc. I. 275/8.
He was nocht half ane myll awestill Berwik(2) 1416 Red. Bk. Menteith I. 284.
Tharof vs ferlyis nouch lytyle a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 901.
And drew noght ane lyte(3) c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 1492.
Quhan that nocht ane will till ane vther obey a1500 Bk. Chess 744.
A vysman said noche ane of thame vas voirth a1578 Pitsc. II. 44/23.
Thair was nocht ane of all his pairtie onslaine(4) 1375 Barb. x. 625.
He saw thame nocht a deill c1420 Wynt. i. 452.
Amang thaim all wes noucht a breke Ib. ii. 1501.
Leffand noucht off it a crote c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 1527.
That nocht ane spere haid he c1515 Asl. MS. I. 219/2.
Deliuerit … of ane knaif child that liffit nocht ane houre a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 103.
Thi schore compt I noght ane caik a1500 K. Hart ii.
In all his lusty lecam nocht ane spot 15.. Dunb. App. iii. 17.
Suppois scho comptis it nocht a leik 1560 Rolland Seven S. 1100.
For al hir talk ane word he answerit nocht 1570 Sat. P. xiii. 125.
Ȝe left him nocht ane malȝe nor deneir a1578 Pitsc. I. 3/17.
And of guid fallowis comptis nocht ane prein 1580-92 James VI Lusus Reg. 41.
It harmes him nocht a haire Id. Ess. ii.
Nocht a quheit(5) 1375 Barb. iii. 198.
The body is nocht worth a myt a1568 Bann. MS. 134 a/3.
Sic freitis I hald nocht wirth a fas

7. Used alone or after and, bot, or ȝit, to introduce a statement which contrasts with or is opposed to what precedes.(1) c1420 Wynt. vii. 3244.
He chesyd hys layre in till Kelsew Noucht in the kyrk off Sayntandrewe 1558 Admir. Ct. Bk. 76.
And als as unrelevand nocht qualifiand that [etc.] 1562-3 Winȝet I. 96/19.
Maist humblie, nochte as a souerane 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 265.(2) 1405 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 59.
In my defaute & nocht in yhouris c1420 Wynt. viii. 357.
Joys yhe the crown swa and noucht I 1456 Hay I. 192/3.
It wald be callit before thocht felouny, and nocht defens Ib. 280/20.
Me think ȝe suld deferr till us, and nocht we to ȝow Ib. II. 148/34. 1457 Peebles B. Rec. I. 120.
The said Marion sour it was with hir will and noch thret be husband na other 1487 Acts II. 183/2.
Davntit hors depute to werk & nocht to the sadill 1491 Acta Conc. I. 194/2.
Na state [sall] be gevin to hir … quhill xx dais efter that [etc.] … and nocht than les na the said James will nocht [etc.] a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 260. 1533 Gau 27/26.
We man forthir … reid the halie writ and noth alanerlie thir xii articulis 1543 Acts II. 442/2.
Oftymes callit & nocht comperit a1561 Q. Kennedy Breif Tract. (ed.) 129/13.
Noch 1564 Edinb. B. Rec. III. 190.
Almaist desolait and nocht inhabitit a1568 Scott iv. 94. 1571 Elgin Rec. I. 127. 1593 Innes Rev. III. 102.
I answerit to it I hed doin … and noth to it I wald 1622-6 Bisset II. 305/18.(3) 1456 Hay I. 289/9.
Quhilk is here memourit bot nocht writtin c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 170.
Nought 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2687. 1600 Crim. Trials II. 156.
Jhone Ramsay straik … throw the body: and thairefter wes strukin at … bot nocht throch the body(4) 1490 Irland Mir. I. 65/16.
Thocht jt had helpit him to lif lange, ȝit nocht perpetualy 1611-57 Mure Misc. P. xiii. i.
Bereft of breath, ȝit nocht from lyfe depoised

b. After or, with ellipsis of words expressed in the neighbouring (usu. preceding) clause. c1460 Wisd. Sol. (S.T.S.) 385.
Quhether he was vys or nocht 1456 Hay I. 91/23.
Quhethir he may ask wage or noucht Ib. 297/20.
Quhethir he wald or nocht c1500-c1512 Dunb. lx. 39.
Bot quhow is he content or nocht 1546 Reg. Privy C. I. 56. 1566 Lanark B. Rec. 33. 1590 Crim. Trials I. ii. 232. 1599 Writers Signet 234.
Quhidder gif or nocht the bretherene wald grant 1627 Orkney Rentals iii. 74.
Noght

8. a. In certain collocations with following bot.Nocht bot, = only. See also Bot conj. C 2 and cf.A 1 (7) above.For nocht anerly (allanerly, only, etc.) … bot (als, alswa, etc.), see Als adv. and conj. 1 c, Alswa adv. c, Allanerly adv. and a. 2 b, Anerly adv. and a. 1 b, Only adv.(1) c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxxi. 100.
And sufficience dwellis nocht bot in heavin 1535 Stewart 3622.
Warldlie gloir … lestis nocht bot for ane lytill tyme c1552 Lynd. Mon. 54.
Al thir weris … Was nocht bot for our synnis manefest(2) c1420 Wynt. i. Prol. 77.
Noucht as bondage wndyr lawe Bot that lykyng grace sulde knawe Ib. viii. 278.
Noucht crownyd, noucht oyntyd, bot symply set 1456 Hay I. 141/3. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 41/10. c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i. 581.
Nocht lauchfull, but … lamentable 1562-3 Winȝet II. 30/8. 1567 G. Ball. 5. 1596 Dalr. I. 33/22.
The schirrefdome … of Perth is nocht litle bot … large(3) 1626 Garden Worthies 36.
Infineit hurts … Done to my countrie … Could nought bot force a fazarde for to fight

b. Nocht that, not to say that. c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 1097.
Nought at the deth sche wggis there

9. Coupled with another negative or negatives.For many more examples see the various other negative words, as Na a. and adv.¹ 1, Na adv.² and conj.¹ 1 (2), Na conj.² (1), Ne adv.¹, etc. 1456 Hay I. 265/21.
Ilke man … may nocht be chargit with athe. na nocht ilke man knawis nocht the foundement, na the proves c1460 Regim. Princ. 265 (M). c1475 Wall. viii. 906.
No nothir lak we nocht 1513 Doug. ix. xii. 52.
He that aw this swerd … Is not sa faynt, ne sa sone sal nocht irk 1563 Grant Chart. 129.
That nane pas out of thewattyr nowcht be schip or boyt 1576–7 Mill Mediæv. Plays 160.
That thay mantenit noth the said superstitious festuall dayis nor knew noth ane of thair craft that [etc.] c1590 Fowler II. 157/35.
Men dois nocht proceid not after a sort in these things 1619 Garden Elphinstoun 407.
A glorie never gevin Nought to ane inlands man, unless [etc.]

10. Placed before a noun or pronoun. 1482 Peebles B. Rec. I. 190.
Hayll … and nocht ane ganstandand c1500-c1512 Dunb. G. Targe 67.
Noucht thou, Omer … Nor yit thou, Tullius c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 1403.
Was neuer man, with sword nor knyfe, Nocht Hercules I dar weill say, That euer faucht better

11. Placed before nouns, freq. comb.Appar. occurring earlier in these uses than did e.m.E. not. Cf. Not and Non- in similar use.a. With verbal nouns and nouns of action.(1) 1500 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I. 85.
Throw the nocht clengeing of the saidis guids 1528 Reg. Privy S. I. 581/1.
His nocht cuming to our soverane lord 1533–4 Edinb. B. Rec. II. 66.
In the nocht fulfilling of the thingis aboue written 1534 Dunferm. Reg. Ct. iii.
Tuecheyng the wrangus … nocht haldyng of his mwket land … in gudeyng 1537–8 Ib. 153.
At thai be nocht accusit efter for the nocht stoppin of the samyn c 1545 St. A. Univ. Rec. xxi.
And that throve brekinge & nocht obseruing of the priuileges 1563 Reg. Privy C. I. 246. 1565 Instit. Ct. Sess. 26 a.
Quhilk distinction of libelling or nocht libelling of the sumondis 1594 Acts IV. 72/1.
Be the … mentinence and nocht pvnischement of the thevis … be the … maisteris … of the landis … quhair thai duell 1594 Edinb. Test. XXVII. 216 b.
In caice of my nocht returning 1595 Aberd. Council Lett. I. 63.
And for the alegitt nocht obeyand of the command 1602 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (ed.) 27.
In noche bigging up the haifreis dyk 1605 Lett. & St. P. Jas. VI. 74.
Of my nocht presence 1614 Urie Baron Ct. 13. 1615 Misc. Maitl. C. II. 173. 1626 Justiciary Cases I. 39.(2) 1569 Reg. Privy C. II. 17.
In respect of the absence and noct comperance of the saidis personis 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 20.
For nocht compeirance 1615 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 45 b (17 Jan.).
Reprovit for … the nocht tymous compeiring(3) 1512 Selkirk B. Ct. MS. 17 a.
For nocht entris 1517 Ib. (ed.) 44.
For the nocht entraye to mak pament 1524 Ib. MS. 108 a.
For his nocht entres 1624 Justiciary Cases I. 17.
[The cautioner] … for his nocht intrie of the said James was unlawit 1629 Ib. 127.
That for his nocht enterie the said … cautioner micht be unlawit(4) 1597 Acts IV. 133/2.
All fewis may be decernit null for nocht payment of the dewtie 1600 Edinb. B. Rec. V. 271.
For nocht payment of his contributioun 1622-6 Bisset I. 138/7.

b. With agent noun (? and ppl. a. used absol.) — 1614 Cramond Ch. Aberdour 12.
Many noch communicants 1615 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 6 June.
[To] dilait him … both as ane nocht communicat [sic] & ane obstinat furnicator