Middle English Dictionary Entry
scǒute-wacche n.
Entry Info
| Forms | scǒute-wacche n. Also scoutewach, scoutwache, scote-, skoutte-, (error) skoulk-. |
| Etymology | From OF escout(e, AF escot, escult & ME wacche n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A sentinel, guard; also, the guard, watch; kepen (maken) ~, to keep guard or watch.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)838 : In grete flokkez of folk þay fallen to his ȝatez; As a scowte-wach, scarred, so þe asscry rysed.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2468 : The price men..Skayres þaire skottefers and theire skowtte-waches.
- (1442) Let.Bekynton in RS 56.2245 : Whan they were approched nigh the same towne, there comme upon theym the skoulk [read: skoute] wache, and there a showte was made of St. George d'Angleterre.
- (1464) Acc.Howard in RC 57161 : Item, my mastyre payd the same day to ix men that made scotewache on horse bakke vj s. viij d.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)27/4 : The scowte-wacche by hir oste cryed, 'Lordis, to armes! for here be oure enemyes at youre honde!'
- c1475(?c1451) Worcester Bk.Noblesse (Roy 18.B.22)16 : I herd the seyd ser Johan Fastolfe sey that every man kepyng the scout wache had a masty hound at a lyes, to berke and warne yff ony adverse partye were commyng.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)1089 : Tild vp þere tentis tomly and faire, Skairen out skoute-wacche for skeltyng of harme.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)6042 : Brode firis & brem beccyn in þe ost..With skowte wacche for skathe & skeltyng of harme.