Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
AFF-LAT, n. Also afflet. [′ɑflɑt] Apparently confined to ne.Sc.
1. Outlet.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff. 7:
The wattir hiz nae aff-lat. Ayr. 1995:
Two Carrick farmers were bemoaning the lack of roadmen who had previously cut 'afflets' at the roadside, thus preventing flooding.
2. A great display. (Cf. lat-aff.)Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff.:
Fin they geed in o' thir new hoose, they hid a great aff-lat o' a fire-kin'lan.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D.Bnff.:
They made a great aff-lat o' a faist. It wid 'a' set them better t' pay thir debt.
3. Spell of leisure, holiday.Abd.(D) 1915 H. Beaton At the Back o' Benachie 60:
We dinna get sic aff-lats in this pairt o' th' kwentry.Abd.(D) 1929 J. Alexander Mains and Hilly 41:
Min' ye a mistress is as hard's onybody . . . an' wunna see ony gweed o' an afflat tull 'er 'oman noo an' than.
