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.
BELTED PLAID(Y), n. “That species of mantle worn by Highlanders in full military dress” (Sc. 1825 Jam.2).Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems II. 125:
I'd take young Donald without Trews, With Bonnet blew, and belted Plaidy.Sc. [1822] D. Stewart Sketches, etc. (1825) I. 79–80:
But the arrangements of the belted plaid were of the greatest importance in the toilet of a Highlandman of fashion. This was a piece of tartan two yards in breadth, and four in length, which surrounded the waist in large plaits, or folds, adjusted with great nicety, and confined by a belt, buckled tight round the body, and while the lower part came down to the knees, the other was drawn up and adjusted to the left shoulder, leaving the right arm uncovered, and at full liberty.Abd. 1737 William Meston Poetical Works (1767) 115:
[men] As deft and tight as ever wore ... Short hose and belted plaid or trews In Uist, Lochaber, Sky or Lewis.Arg. 1706 Arg. Justiciary Rec. (Stair Soc.) II. 203:
Dugald and Donald Campbells, . . . who having been apprehended and taken prisoners having both on belted pleads.
