? Obs. In later use Sc. [Related to MHG. smotzen (? hence Du. smotsen), var. of smutzen (G. schmutzen): see SMUT v.] trans. To besmirch, defile, befoul. Also fig.
Also ‘to mark with ruddle, tar, &c.’ (Jamieson, 1808).
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), I. 359. Þey be i-smotted wiþ þe schrewednesse and bycomeþ traytours also.
a. 1400. Apol. Lollards, 18. Þe kirk… forbediþ him comyn feleschip … þat he mend þe raþer, and smot not oþer.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 97/2. The sergeants that sawe hym so black and smotted bete hym wel wyth roddes.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, V. vii. 91. Behald thaim smottit quyte Of his reid blude.
a. 1568. A. Scott, Poems (S.T.S.), xxx. 52. Ladeis suld all thingis eschew That ma thair honor smot.
