Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡CHANT, Chaunt, n. and v. [tʃɑnt]
1. n. (1) “Pert language” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 24); (2) “A person much given to pert language” (Ib.). Not known to our Bnff. correspondents.
Hence †(1) chantie, “a pert child” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., obs.); †(2) chantie-beak, “a prattling child, a chatter-box” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2; 1923 Watson W.-B., obs.).
2. v. ‡(1) “To speak much in a pert manner” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 24); to answer back. Ppl.adj. chantin', “loquacious and at the same time pert” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2; 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.).Abd. 1826 D. Anderson Poems 100:
The queans did cheery scour alang, An' chaunt up to the fellows.Abd.4 1933:
Fat are ye chantin' there for? I'se gie ye something tae chant for gin ye stan' lang there.
(2) “To speak with a twang or strange accent” (Ork. 1887 Jam.6, chaunt).
Hence chanter, see quot. Ork. 1898 E.D.D.:
“Boy, thoo're chantan',” is a common remark addressed to a young man who revisits his home and omits to resume his ancient drawl.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 11:
It was said he had acquired a "chanter" (a southern accent) in record time, even for an Orcadian.
