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 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Nicht-wakar, -walkar, n. Also: nycht-, nightand -waker, -vakar, -vaiker, -walcar, -walker. [In sense a, north. e.m.E. nighte waker (Cath. Angl.); in sense b, e.m.E. nyght- (1467), night walker.] a. One who keeps awake or stays up late at night, engaged in revelry or riotousness. b. One who goes about or walks abroad at night, esp. for nefarious or discreditable purposes.For further examples (of sense a) see Cartar(e n.² (or Dysar n.).(a) 1511 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 14.
This inquest ordanit ony nycht wakaris that cane bene knawin sal be puneist in the stokis xxiiii houris 1529–30 Ib. 105.
We ordand na nychtvaikeris to pas in our streit 1561 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 338.
As ane briggan and ane commound nychtvakar a1633 Hope Major Pract. II. 289.
Ane proclamatione against night wakers efter the 10 hour bell 1672 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Deeds I. 387.
[He shall not] be ane night waker whooremunger carter nor dycer(b) 1475 Ayr B. Ct. 138 a (2 Oct.).
Fundyn nycht walcaris common tulȝouris & oppressouris of the Kyngis legis a1500 Seven S. 1007.
Ane empriour … Statut for the … commoun gud of this cite The nycht walkaris for till expell 1509 Justiciary Rec. II. 144.
Gif thair be ony tulȝouris nychtwalkaris or sornaris c1575 Balfour Pract. 531.
Nicht walkeris. It is not leasum to ony persoun … to walk and gang in time of nicht 1589–90 Lanark B. Rec. 97.
Katte Kaske for stelling of James Dowglas stray, and ane commoun nycht walkar 1587 Elgin Rec. II. 8.
Hellin Dowle and Isobell being tryit comoun harlottis and nicht walkeris 1589 Edinb. B. Rec. V. 379.
That na nichtwalkeris, dyssers or cairteris … pypers, fydlers … remayne within this burgh 1591 Elgin Rec. II. 20. 1595 St. A. Kirk S. 808. 1598 Ib. 861. 1604 Elgin Rec. II. 127.
Delaitit to be nycht walkeris and castaris of cloadis under the nycht 1604 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 37. 1608 Ib. 66. 1619 Perth Kirk S. MS. 9 Sept.
As thair is certane persounes … dilaitit to be nicht walkeris and drunkards … quhatsumeuer tavernour … sellis vyne or aill … to onye persoun … efter the ten houre bell be rung … sall pay [etc.] 1682 Old Ross-shire I. 87.
Seiz all … nightwalkers … sturdie begers, Egyptians