Scot
UK: skɒt | US: skɑːt
n. 1. A tax or payment (historical, especially in medieval England).
n. 2. (Informal) Short for "Scotch" or "Scottish," referring to a person from Scotland.
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The word "scot" traces back to Old English and Old Norse, where it originally meant a payment or contribution, often in the context of taxes or communal dues. Over time, it became associated specifically with medieval levies. The informal use as shorthand for "Scottish" or "Scotch" is a later development, unrelated to the original fiscal meaning.
In medieval times, villagers were required to pay a scot to the lord of the manor.
He refused to pay his scot, arguing it was unjust.
(Informal) "Are you a Scot?" she asked, noticing his accent.
The term "scot-free" originates from avoiding this tax.
Historically, the scot was a crucial source of revenue for local governance.