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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DILDER, v. and n. Also deulder. Cf. Didder. Dolder, v. and n.² [′dɪldər]

1. v.

(1) To shake, jerk (Ork. 1887 Jam.⁶; Ork. 2000s); “to move in a noisy, jolting fashion, make a rattling sound as of a cart over stones” (Ork. 1929 Marw.; also 1889 E.E.P. V. 809, 811); used of limbs trembling with age or palsy or with fear (Ork. 1900 E.D.D.).

(2) To dangle behind.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
The dog ran off in terror wi' a pail dilderan at his tail.

(3) fig.: to dawdle, loiter (Ork. 1887 Jam.⁶).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
I geed home and he cam' dilderan ahint.

2. n.    “A smart jerk, shake, jolt” (Ork. 1887 Jam.⁶); a trembling, frightened state.Ork. 1952 R. T. Johnston Stenwick Days (1984) 136:
A short silence followed this announcement. It was broken by Eustace Rosie, who inquired in a puzzled tone, "Weel, whit's funny aboot that? Thir's noathing aboot that tae mak' thee come in all o' a deulder." ... "Thoo wid be in a bonny deulder theesel, Eustace Rosie, if thoo hid seen a ghost."