Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MAT, v. Also matt; ¶met (Slk. 1813 Hogg Queen's Wake (1874) 14). Variant form of Mote, v.¹, q.v.

1. May, as an aux. v., freq. in expressions wishing one well or ill.Abd. 1746 W. Forbes Dominie Depos'd (1765) 34:
The kirk and you maun hae a bout; Ill ma't you fare.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 116:
Well mat he be, as well mat ye be a', That's helped my dear Lindy's heart to fa'.Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs II. 172:
Ye auld blind dotard carl, Blind mat ye be.Abd. 1801 W. Beattie Parings (1813) 8:
Aunty, lang mat ye had yer heal.Sc. c.1807 Dugall Quin in Child Ballads No. 294. x.:
Wea matt worth yer well-fared face, Alas that ever I saa ye!Abd. 1845 in P. Still Cottar's Sunday 172:
Few bards there be in Scotlan' born, Mat either mird or anter, To sing sae sweet at e'en or morn.Ags. 1915 Rymour Club Misc. II. 165:
Here's to mysel', says I to mysel', And muckle guid mat it do me.

2. Might. Rare.Abd. 1871 R. Matheson Poems 49:
The lasses whase lovers were at sea They were sad, and weel they mat!