This volume serves as a comprehensive lexicographical record of the Scots language as it existed in written form prior to 1700. The authors, including Harry D. Watson, Lorna Pike, and Margaret G. Dareau, utilize extensive archival research and historical documentation to catalog the evolution of vocabulary during the medieval and renaissance periods. By providing detailed definitions and contextual quotations, the work establishes a definitive linguistic framework for understanding the transition of Scots into standard English.

Scholars and historians regard this dictionary as a foundational resource for the study of early modern Scottish culture and language. Readers frequently note the academic density of the entries, which provide unparalleled depth for researchers investigating the nuances of historical Scots.