A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Prat(t, v. [Sc. form corresp. to late ME (Lydgate) and e.m.E. prate, e.m.E. also praite (1592), MDu. praten, praeten, MLG praten, proten.] intr. To speak boastfully, overbearingly or officiously.1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 53.
[He] prattit proudlie, vantyng that [etc.] c1590 Fowler I 124/167.
Bot lett thame pratt 1611-57 Mure True Crucifixe 489.
To doe who care no, much delight to prat 1638 Lundie Poems 39.
Shoe scarce cam our Kingorne, When shoe began to prat [: that, rate, mate, pat (= pate)], Thes Northland men I scorne 1657 Balfour Ann. IV 349.
The stargazers … prat muche anent the effects of it [the eclipse] 1680 Fugitive Poetry II xxxvi 8/43.
Thou pratts in vaine, Muse unaduis'dly stout
