Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
AIRTAN(S), AIRTIN(S), vbl.n.(from Airt, v.). In sing., “the act of placing towards a certain quarter of the heavens” (Gregor D.Bnff.); sing. or pl., direction; tendency.Sc. 1928 J. G. Horne A Lan'wart Loon 21:
For he was narhan' by the muir An' o' his airtans geylies sure. [Airtans = direction. (Author's note.)]Bnff. 1898 W. G. in E.D.D.:
Hoot-toot, ye gummeril, the airtan o' the stooks is a' vrang. Set them aye t' tual o'clock.Edb. 1915 T. W. Paterson Auld Saws 136:
Haud ye yont the straucht-gaun airtins; Keep yer gangins in the licht.Edb. 1916 Id. Wyse-sayin's o' Solomon I. 2:
Anent the airtin o' the hale book.
