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.
Quotation dates: 1825, 1934
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BETTERNESS, Bettirness, n. (See quots.) N.E.D. gives this as dial.
1. (See quot.)Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
Bettirness, emendation, amelioration: applied especially as to health.
2. Recovery. Cf. Better, adv., 1.Mearns 1934 (per Lnk.7):
Betterness, common in Mearns as "There's nae betterness for him," he will not recover health.