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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CLOOT, CLOUT, n.² and v.  [klut, klʌut]

I. n. 1. “A blow” (Cai.¹ c.1920), a slap with the open hand. MacTaggart, in Gallov. Encycl. (1824) 138, gives “a slight blow.” Clout is dial. or vulgar in Mod.Eng. Gen.Sc.Sc. 1724–27 Ramsay T. T. Misc. (1733) 22:
Did Sandy hear ye, Ye wadna miss to get a Clout, I ken he disna fear ye.Abd.(D) 1916 G. Abel Wylins frae my Wallet 24:
Noo a cuddle, noo a cloot, Lauchin', froonin', time aboot.Ags. 1867 G. W. Donald Poems, etc. 33:
An' tho' they get some cuffs an' cloots, They ne'er let on they get it.Lnk. 1925 W. Queen in Stirling Observer (29 Sept.):
If yin o' them daur to snash or girn, their lugs I gie a cloot.

2. The result of a blow, the swelling or sore caused by the impact.m.Sc. 1922 J. Buchan Huntingtower x.:
Mr Heritage will have the whole pack on him in that old Tower, and him with such a sore clout on his head.

II. v. To strike, slap, cuff. Lnk. 1928 W. C. Fraser Yelpin' Stane 84: 
I'll cloot your chafts for ye.