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: 1806-1872, 1929
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CHAT, Chaut, n.2 and v.1 [tʃɑ(:)t]
1. n. A light meal, a snack; a morsel (Bnff.2, Abd.9 1939). Cf. Eng. dial. chate, a short meal, refreshment; a feast, treat (E.D.D.).Abd. 1826 D. Anderson Poems 45:
The Cocknies would not let him go Till he partook wi' them a chat.Mearns 1819 J. Burness Plays, Poems, etc. 118:
Deed, maister, I think ye wad be nae war o' a chat yoursel. I think we've a' march'd lang eneugh wi' toom kytes.Ags. 1872 J. Kennedy Jock Craufurt 68:
He enter'd, an' began to try To eat some little chat o' meat. attrib. (quasi) by omission of prep. of.Bnff.7 1929:
Gie this laddie a chat denner.
2. v. To bite, chew; sometimes used with up. Known to Bnff.2 1939. Cf. Chack, v.2Mry.(D) 1806 J. Cock Simple Strains 99:
Had there been ony guid auld cheese, Or ony bits o' candle grease, Or yet hard fish, to chat and squeeze, And stuff her kyte.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 24:
There's a bit candie sugar. Chaut it up.


