Scot/skɑːt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage The term is rarely used today and may sound outdated. He joked that everyone should pay their scot for the feast, like in old times. Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context Originally referred to a medieval tax; helps grasp the historical notion. The townsfolk were gathered to collect the scot as was customary. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Phrases Used in phrases like 'scot-free' to imply escaping without punishment. She thought she would get off scot-free but got caught.