Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

BETTERMAIS(T), BETTERMIS, adj. Better-class. Eng. bettermost. [′bɛtərmes, -məs]Bch. 1914 (per Ayr.²):
Bettermis, used also in Buchan.Gall. 1929 A. S. Armistead in Gallovidian 117:
In fact, the people in the “bettermaist Hooses” that she favours would probably be tumbling over each other to induce her to “oblige.”Kcb. 1914 W.S.L. in T.S.D.C. I.:
Bettermais, having a better social position. “She seemed a bettermais sort o' a body.” “There's nae pleasin' yon bettermais sort o' folks.”