Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLET, CLETT, KLETT, n. A detached rock, gen. in the sea, but occasionally applied also to isolated rocks on the land (as distinct from those showing on the face of a hill) (Sh., Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl., clet, klett; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai. 1825 Jam.2, clet; Cai.7 1937). In pl.: “lowlying rocks on the coast” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), “so clotted and cloven that it is difficult to walk over them” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., kletts). [klɛt]Sh.(D) 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 133:
“Gjöd keep my sowl!” tinks I, as I jimpid ower end, an' begood ta rub oot o' me een, “ir we ashore apo' da klett?”Cai. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XI. 247–248:
The haven of Brough, close by the Head, is well sheltered from every wind but the N.W.; and a smal expence might render it secure against it too, by throwing a pier from the land to a large clett, or out-standing rock, which is about 100 yards from the shore.
