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

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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Fut(e)step, Futstap, n. Also: fuit-, fitstep, futstap, fut-, footestop. [ME. foote-steppe (c 1440), pl. fet steppes (c 1220).]

1. A footstep; the print of a foot. 1513 Doug. ii. xi. 120.
Haldyng bakwart ilk futstep we had gane Ib. vi. iii. 70.
He prentit baith his futsteppis in the erd c1590 Fowler I. 56/233.
I also know how for to trace the fitsteppis of my foe 1616 Zetl. Sheriff Ct. MS. 24.
Thair being snaw that nycht, his futstop wes to the bankis

b. In figurative sense. 1456 Hay II. 66/3.
Sa suld all knychtis, … folow … the futsteppis of thair ledare … Jhesus Crist 1527 Douglas Corr. 122.
Nocht followand the futsteppis of wysmenn 1562-3 Winȝet II. 27/24.
Followand aluterlie the fuitstepis of thair fathir Cham 1581 Burne Disput. 8 b.
Quhairin ȝe follou the futesteppis of Symon Magus Ib. 90.
Gif ȝe follou the futstoppis of the fatheris of this Concile c 1593 Misc. Spald. C. I. 5.
To follou his fathir futstaps 1605 Elphinstone Chart. 153.
Following his footestoppis

2. A step to place the foot on. 1589 Glasgow B. Rec. I. 138.
That ane pair joges be sett vp vpoun the goves, gangand up with thrie or four fut stepis