Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Unlace, v. Also: unlais, onlace. P.p. unlaist, -laissit. [ME and e.m.E. vn-lace (c1350); Lace v.] tr.

1. To unlace, unfasten the laces of (a garment). Also transf., of a clothed body. Also fig. Only p.p. b. To undo the hair (Lok n.²) (erron. in Lok n.¹ plur. (a)). c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 953.
Her courlyke kirtill was vnlaist c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 986.
With that, hir kirtill wes vnlaissittransf. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 294.
Sall neuer my likame be laid vnlaissit to sleip Quhill I haue gart yone berne bowfig. c1590 Fowler I 57/252.
I know how that a gentle mynd is suddanlie disgraist And how that be a litill cord it stronglie is vnlaist When it is left vnto hir selff, disarmed of reasonb. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 369.
Than the ledis belife the lokkis vnlaissis

2. Appar. erron. for onlace, to lace on, attach by means of a lace or laces. 1513 Doug. xi Prol. 102 (Ruddim.).
Rais hie the targe of fayth vp in thy hand. On hede the halesum helme of hope vnlace [C., Sm. onlace] … Stand at defence and schrink not