Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Counter, -ir, v. Also: cownter. [ME. counter, countre (early 14th c.). Cf. Conter v.] intr. and tr. To encounter. a1500 Rauf C. 872.
Thow art ane Sarazine, … For to confound our Cristin men that counteris sa kene a1500 Lanc. 2607.
He … cownterit with esquyris hath so 1535 Stewart 59445.
He counterit him vpoun ane cursoure wycht 15.. Clar. ii. 1246.
He counterit with ane knicht ay of the best 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9293.
In battell we mon fecht. To counter him be my hand I haue hecht a1568 Scott ii. 37.
Sym … hecht he sowld be hittin, And he micht counter Will on hors