Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BENTY, n. and adj.
†1. n. A weakling, an awkward person.Abd. 1824 G. Smith Douglas 49:
An' they're nae benties at destroying men.Abd.14 1911:
Benty, an awkward fellow. Quite obs.
2. adj. Delicate, dainty.Slk. 1817 Hogg Tales (1874) 156:
Iet them lick at that!- Let the benty-necks crack now!Slk. 1917 Southern Reporter (24 May) 3/1:
What we want is a hardy head, a good skin, a bit brown on the legs, a benty neck — and a five and twenty shilling lamb.
Comb.: benty bows, “? bandy-legs” (S.D.D.). [See Bowdle-leggit.]
[From bent, not straight; hence weak, delicate, dainty.]
