Obs. Also 6 Sc. laik, 7 layke. [First found in Chaucer; prob. a. Du. laken, corresp. to OE. lachen ‘clamidem’ (Wr.-Wülcker, 377/22), OFris. leken, OS. lakan mantle (chlamys), veil of the temple, OHG. lahhan (MHG. lachen), mod.G. lakan from LG.] Fine linen.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Sir Thopas, 147. He dide next his white leere Of clooth of lake fyn and cleere.
1447. Bokenham, Seyntys (Roxb.), 73. Bryngyng hir brede als whyt as lake.
1501. Douglas, Pal. Hon., I. lii. Thir fair ladyis in silk and claith of laik.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., III. 234. Quhilk causit hes to lurk wnder the laik Richt mony cowart durst nocht cum to straik.
1603. Philotus, lx. The quhytest layke bot with the blackest asse.
