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

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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.

Marmouset, Marmisset, -at, n. Also: -ed, marmysset, -masit, -meset, mermosat, -muset, -miset, -missat. [ME. (1398) and e.m.E. marmuset(te, marmozet(te, marmoset, marmeset, mermoset, -ite, etc., OF. marmouset grotesque image or statuette.]

1. A small monkey, a marmoset. a1500 Henr. Fab. 915 (Bann.).
The mermissat [v.rr. marmisset, marmysset] the modewart could leid c1490 Porteous Noblenes 170/7.
The south part of Affrik is inhabit with wyld bestis as … apis, mermosatis 1508 Treas. Acc. IV. 117.
For half ane elne grene satin to be ane cote to the mermuset of Calȝecut

2. A grotesque figure or figurine. a. Applied scornfully to an image or idol: comb. with idol. b. A puppet. 1558-66 Knox I. 259.
A marmouset idole was borrowed fra the Gray Freiris 1581-1623 James VI Poems I. 133/171.
The iugler … so uell can no uayes makke to dance … His littill marmousettis

3. Applied to a person as a term of abuse or contempt. a1605 Montg. Flyt. 470 (H).
Mony monkes and marmasits come with the mother c1600 Polwart Ib. 828 (T).
Beld bissat, marmissat [v.rr. marmisset, -ed], lancepissat to the lownes!