Getting off scot free?

[joannie10]

does anyone know where this saying came from - Getting off scot free - when someone gets away with something basically.
thanks

[Tichfield]

A "scot" was an old tax. So if you got away without paying it you "Got off scot free".

[Tichfield]

Just to add, it has nothing to do with Scotland or being Scottish.

[joannie10]

I did wonder if it was a Scottish thing or even someone by the name of Scott. Thanks for your reply.

[branchinghen]

It is to do with being scottish because we are all tinkers!!!

[DebsyDoo]

It goes back to when the English were ruling the Irish & the King of England would offer royal pardons to Scottish prisoners if they would act as mercanaries. So they got off "Scot free" because they did not have to serve their time in Gaol.