Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†AULDERS, ALDERS, n.pl.
1. Ancestors, forefathers.sm.Sc. 1887 Jam.6:
When changes are pressed on an unwilling person, a very likely reply will be — “It sairt our alders, it may weel sair us” — i.e. it served our forefathers, etc.
2. Older people, seniors.Ib.:
A common expression of respect for old age in a mixed company is — “We'll let the aulders gang first.”Cld. Ib.:
A mother, in answer to the clamours of hungry children at meal-time, will say, — “Jist ye bide gin yer alders be sairt.”
3. Day-old bread, cakes, buns etc sold off by bakers at a reduced price. (Ags. 1975). Edb. 1982:
Ye used tae could get aulders cheap fae a Crawford's shoap at the tap o Easter Road.Fif. 1987:
Baker's aulders.Ags. 1991:
Ah mind once Ah saw the boss's wife queuein fir aulders.
