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

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

S(c)had, n. Also: s(c)hade, shed. [ME and e.m.E. shade (Chaucer), shad (Lydgate), OE sceadu str. fem. beside scead neut.; see also S(c)had(d)ow n.]

1. Shelter from the rays of the sun; shade. = S(c)had(d)ow n. 2. 1604-31 Craig ii 52.
Thou who … lay alone … Amid those greene and grouie shads 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. ii 2.
Quhill Beutie … reposes With fairest schads of trees o'rschadoued wnder a1649 Drummond II 119/53.
The pleasant shed Of oake and plaine oft serves them for a bed

2. a. A shadow. = S(c)had(d)ow n. 4. b. Outward seeming; appearance. = S(c)had(d)ow n. 6 c. c. A ghost, a spirit. = S(c)had(d)ow n. 7.a. 1587-99 Hume 31/179.
The schad of euerie towre and tree Extended is in lengthb. c1590 Fowler I 180/5.
Anonder pittyeis schade schee does desplay The fulnes of her rigour 1611-57 Mure Spirituall Hymne 67.
Of types, of shads, the body truec. 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. xvii 26.
Glorefied amidst the schads dewyne

3. With reference to the custom of starting to divide land from either the ‘dark’ or the ‘sunny’ side. See S(c)had(d)ow n. 1. 1681 Stair Inst. ii vi §14.
The sheriff or bailie must also … ken the relict to her terce, which is ordinarily done by the sun or the shade; that is, whether the division shall begin at the east or the west