Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Wantoun, Wonton, v. [e.m.E. wanton (1582).] a. intr.To move in a forceful, apparently unrestrained manner. b. tr.To spoil, over-indulge; to mistreat. —a. 15.. Clar. v 2330.
Thair brandis cleir wantoun up and doun Againes the sonis fervent beamis bright Unto the pepill terribill was the fight —b. 15… Misc. Spald. C. II 335.
And for his preserwation and caussis foirsaid may nocht suffer him to pas fra my presence wontoning the lawfull successioun begottin of his body