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.
CANTLE, v.
1. (1) tr. “To erect, set on a height” (Ayr. 1898 E.D.D.); ppl.adj. cantled, perched up.Hdg. 1892 J. Lumsden Sheep-Head and Trotters 129:
Lo, the kirk! sae heichly cantled On its knowe.
(2) intr. To stand on high.Per. 1935 W. Soutar Riddles in Scots in Scots Mag. (Dec.) 187:
Stanes that winna bigg a wa'; Stanes unfund afore they fa'; Cantle on the simmer air And nae hand has set them there. — Fruit-stones.
2. fig. To give a stimulus to, to strengthen (Abd.19, Abd.22 1938).Abd.(D) 1917 C. Murray Sough o' War (1918) 23:
An' noo jist to cantle oor courage a bit, An' haud the hairt stoot in the bodie o't, Fesh oot the black pig.
3. Phr.: to cantle up, (1) tr., to brighten up; (2) intr., (a) to recover one's health or spirits; (b) to bristle up with anger. Both (1) and (2) known to Bnff.2, Abd.9 1938.(1) Bnff. 1929 Bnffsh. Jnl. (1 Oct.) 2/4:
I got cantlet up that nicht at ony rate, an' Jean wis sleepin' or I wan the len'th o' hame.(2) (a) Abd.1 1929:
A dance or twa an' the lassie 'ill sune cantle up frae her disappyntment.(b) Abd.(D) 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xvii.:
“Laird or nae laird he ocht to keep a ceevil tongue in's heid.” “Weel, I winna say but Sandy spak back in a wye 't was lickly to gar the bodie cantle up.”
