Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1923
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BUITTLE, Bootle, v. “To walk ungracefully, taking short steps, with a kind of stotting or bouncing motion” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2, bootle). Ppl.adj. buittlin'.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
A buittlin' boody.
Comb.: buittle-breeks, “a short-legged, stumpy individual” (Ib.).
[These may be irreg. forms of Bittle, n.2, a beetle, suggested by the clumsy walk of the insect, but cf. Bittle, v. (4), to run with speed. For bootle, Jam. suggests a connection with bout, to spring, see Bowt.]
