† knapscall Sc. Obs.
Forms: 5 knapescall, 6 knapscall, -scull, -shal, -ska, -skaw, -scha, knopska, 6–7 knapiskay, 7 knapskall, -schaw, 9 arch. knapskull.
[The first element has been supposed to be knape n., lad, attendant, man, or its possessive knap's; the second is doubtful.]
Some kind of helmet or headpiece; generally worn by persons of inferior rank; perhaps originally by the servants of the men-at-arms.
| 1498 in Durham Eccl. Proc. (Surtees) 42 Galea, Anglicè a Salet or knapescall. a 1572 Knox Hist. Ref. Wks. 1846 I. 150 To address thame selves in thare most warlyk array, with jack, knapscall, splent, speir, and axe. 1572 Satir. Poems Reform. xxxiii. 264 To ride furth to the weir, With Jak and Sword, gude hors, Knapscull, and speir. 1586 J. Carmichael Let. in Wodrow Soc. Misc. (1844) I. 442 He did use you to go before uthers..with the reade Knapska. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 6 b (Acts Will. c. 23) Ane habergeon, ane knapiskay of iron, ane sword, ane dagger. [1820 Scott Abbot xxvi, Get on your jacks, plate-sleeves, and knapsculls.] |