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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

AMITER, n. and adj. A weakling, infirm person or animal; foolish. [′amətər]

1. n.Ork.(D) 1915 J. T. S. Leask in Old-Lore Misc., Ork. Sh., etc. VIII. 40:
Dey gaed in by like a pair o stoopid amiters. (Amiters — foolish persons (A.).)
Ork. 1929 Marw.:
An amiter o' a calf.

2. adj.Ib.:
It was a puir amiter ting of a beast.

[O.N. ūmāttr, faintness, ūmāttigr, ūmāttugr, weak, infirm. The irregular development of O.N. ū, ā, may be due to contact with Sc. Lamiter, a lame person.]

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