† scomm Obs.
Also 7 scomme, scom.
[ad. L. scōmma (Macrobius), a. Gr. σκῶµµα (σκωµµατ-), f. σκώπ-τειν to jeer, scoff.]
A flout or scoff.
The sense ‘a buffoon’, by which J. explains a mutilated version of quot. 1692, is recorded in all subsequent Dicts.
| a 1619 M. Fotherby Atheom. ii. i. §8 (1622) 189 Whose vaine ostentation is worthily scoffed with scomme of the Orator. 1628 W. Sclater Three Serm. (1629) 6 Enough of this, least I incurre the prouerbiall scomme; Sus Mineruam. 1692 R. L'Estrange Fables ccccx. 386 The Scomms of Great Men, or Buffoons of Quality, are every jot as Wolvish in Conversation, as they are here in the Fable. 1711 Puckle Club (1723) 8 Scomms and derision unbridle fear, and make the peasant brave the prince. |
Hence † scoˈmmatic [Gr. σκωµµατικ-ός], † scoˈmmatical adjs., characterized by gibe or scoff. † scoˈmmatically adv. † ˈscommatism, scoffing. † ˈscommatizing ppl. a., derisive.
| 1601 Bp. W. Barlow Defence 88 This imputation scommaticall of faithlesse fidelitie. 1613 E. Hoby Counter-sn. Ishmael Rabshacheh 8 Those vniust Cauills and scomatizing imputations. 1650 Hobbes Answ. Davenant ¶3 From hence have proceeded three sorts of Poesy, Heroique, Scommatique, and Pastorall... The Heroique Poem Dramatique is Tragedy. The Scommatique Narrative is Satyre. 1656 ― Six Lessons vi. 55 Whatsoever is added of contumely, either directly or scommatically, is want of Charity and uncivil. 1664 H. More Myst. Iniq. xviii. 67 As he that has been casting his angle a good part of the day into the river, and brings home no fish, may yet be rightly saluted Mr. Fisherman or Mr. Angler at his return, though not without some kind of Scommatism at the bottom. Ibid., By way of Scommatical reproach. 1668 E. Howard Usurper Epist. A 3, The other extream..is that of Farce or Scommatick Plays. 1671 Shadwell Miser i. (1672) 6, I know as well as you that I depend (Scommatically) upon a Father. |