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 sb., 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 a 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. T. Carmichael, Lett., 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.]
