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.
†BEWITH, n.1 A makeshift, a temporary substitute; something that one can be with (i.e. do with). [bɪ′wɪθ]Sc. 1724 Ramsay T.T. Misc. (1762) 97:
This bewith, when cunzie is scanty, Will keep them frae making din.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
One who arrives, when the regular dinner is eaten, is said to get “only a bewith for a dinner.”
