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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.

Unthank, n. Also: unthanc, -thanche, wnthanke, -ȝank, -heȝanch, winthanke, hunthanch. [ME and e.m.E. unðonk- (c1175), unnþannk- (Orm), unþonc (a1225), vnthank- (Cursor M.), OE unþanc.]

1. In early use, as a place-name, from OE unþances genitive sing., = against one's will, without consent, hence: (A) squatter farm. 'Cf. Winthanke, St Andrews.' J. B. Johnston Place -names of Scotland (1970) s.v. Unthank. ?11…–?12… Reg. St. A. 257.
Hunthanch 1290 J. B. Johnston Place-names of Scotland s.v. Unthank.
Wnthanke 12… Reg. St. A. 235.
Dimidiem cerucetam terre in territorio de villa de Vnthanc 1335 Liber Melros 414.
Wnȝank 1335 Liber Melros 415.
Wnheȝanch 1335–6 Liber Melros 416.
Vnthank 1342 Liber Melros 422.
Vnthanche

2. a. Ingratitude. b. pl. Offences, injuries.a. a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 1099 (Asl.).
This was cheif way … That couth be seyne for manly saluacioun All our vnthank perfytlie till exclud Crist for to de for our redempciounb. 1535 Stewart 47015.
Edward with the lang schankis That efterwart did Scotland greit vnthankis