* Origin: It ultimately comes from the Latin word "Scoti" which was used to refer to the Gaels, a people who lived in Ireland.
* Evolution: The term "Scoti" was adopted by the Gaels who settled in what is now Scotland, eventually becoming synonymous with the people of that land. The word "Scots" became the English name for them.
* Modern Usage: Today, "Scots" has several meanings:
* The people of Scotland: This is the most common usage.
* The Scots language: A distinct language spoken by many in Scotland.
* Scots law: A separate legal system that evolved in Scotland.
It's important to note:
* The word "Scots" is not the same as "Scottish." While they are often used interchangeably, "Scottish" is a broader term that refers to anything related to Scotland, including the people, culture, and language.
* There's an ongoing debate about the accurate use of "Scot" and "Scottish." While both are often used to describe people, some people prefer to use "Scot" to refer to someone born in Scotland, while reserving "Scottish" for describing someone from Scotland.
Overall, the word "Scots" has a rich history that reflects the evolution of the people and culture of Scotland.