A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1460-1500, 1595-1640
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Smak, n. Also: smack(e. [Early ME smac (a1200), smacc (Orm), ME and e.m.E. smak, smack(e (both Ayenbite), smake (1581), OE smæc, MDu., MLG smake.] Taste, flavour; an instance of this. Also fig. or ? an example of Smack a kiss (q.v. SND). Also fig. a1500 Henr. Practysis 60.
Tak Sevin sobbis of ane selche [etc.] … With ane brewing caldrun full of hait caill For it wilbe the softar and sweittar of the smak 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Sapor, a taist or smack 1596 Dalr. I 28/4.
Forth … abundes in … fishe in smacke and plesand taste 1621-40 Melville Commonpl. Bk. 10.
Pepper is blak & yit hes a smakefig. 1634 (1649) Select Biographies I 388.
I dare not speak: I look up to thee and wait on for a smack and kiss of Christ's fair face
b. Smell, scent. 1460 Hay Alex. 647.
Hors or hound … will knaw thair maister be his smak And in till mirknes knawlege to him mak
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"Smak n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/smak_n>
