A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Thort, Thwort, Thwart, adv., prep. and n. Also: thortt, thuart. [ME and e.m.E. ðwert (c1250), thwert (a1350), thwart (1413), ON þvert, neut. of þverr adj. cross, transverse.] The forms in C 2 may simply be unexpanded abbreviations of Thorto(u)r n. 1.
A. adv. 1. In fig. context: Transversely, obliquely. = Athort adv. 1, Ourthwort adv. and Thorto(u)r adv.a1689 Cleland 92/10.
His clowdy brows, and frizled hair Did tell he was thuart cross grain'd ware
2. A thort, = Athort adv. 2.a1689 Cleland 105/2.
And when this test came first a thort, Any that saw this strange deport, Perceiv'd his maw to hink and jarr
B. prep. Across; so as to cross. = Ourthwort prep., Ourthortour prep.a1651 Calderwood II 199.
He was cast thwart [1558-66 Knox II 357, over-thorte] a paire of creeles, and so was careid to Aberdeene
C. noun. 1. = Thoft n.1513 Doug. v iii 63 (Sm.) (see Thoft n.).
Thortis
2. = Thorto(u)r n. 1.1560–1 Edinb. Old Acc. II 140.
viij thorttis to the eistmaist windo 1563–4 Edinb. Old Acc. I 439.
For irne wark to the wyndois … viz. standartis, thwortis and glass bandis
3. ? An angle, intersection.1563 Edinb. B. Deeds 86.
The said tenement of land liand at the thort of the Ouir boll of Edinburgh
