Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

BE'TNA, v. phr. For be it na.Bnff. 1934 (per Abd.⁵); Abd.⁹ 1934:
Gang ben, be'tna bit to say “Foo are ye?” — i.e. if it be not but to say “How are you?”