A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1512-1546
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Leith-ax, -aix, n. Also: Leitht-. A variety of long-handled battle-axe or halberd, which appar. originated in Leith. 1521 J. Major Hist. v. iii.
[Lanceis fractis, bipennibus Lethensibus, & securibus Lochaber optime scindentibus, & baculis ferratis Jedwardiae & billis seu bipennibus decertant 1521 Ib.]
Halbardae gallicanae bipennis Lethensis haud multum dissimilis est; paulo tamen est longior, & instrumentum ad pugnam accomodatius. Ferrum in formam unci in extremo robusti ligni billiarum seu securim artifices componunt: his instrumentis bonis Angli agricolae decertant 1512 Treasurer's Accounts IV. 458.
For xviij Leith aixis made to the Gabriell at the Kingis command 1513 Acta Conc. Public Aff. 5.
Fensable wapinnis sic as speris, Leitht axis, and Jedwart stavis 1513–14 Ib. 10. 1516 Exchequer Rolls XIV. 164.
Octo le hacbutis pretium pecie xl s., … sex lez Leith axis pretium omnium triginta sex solidi, octo lez halbertis pretium pecie decem solidi 1523 Acta Conc. Public Aff. 182.
At ilk cariage man haif ane Leith axe or halbert for keping and defence of thameself and the cariage 1540 Acts II. 362/2.
That na maner of wapnis be admittit in wapinschawingis bot speris pikis stark & lang of vj ellis of lenth Leith axis halbortis [etc.] 1546 Reg. Privy C. I. 62.
With … speris, pykkis, leith axis, halbertis, [etc.]
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"Leith-ax n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 10 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/leith_ax>
