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.
COUTHINESS, Coudiness, n. “Facetiousness, familiarity, kindness” (Sc. 1808 Jam., couthiness, coudiness); pleasantness. Known to Bnff.2, Abd.2, Slg.3 1940 in form couthiness. [′kuθinəs, ′kudi-]Fif. 1895 “S. Tytler” Kincaid's Widow xvii.:
If there was one place more redolent than another in old world districts of peace, “couthiness,” plenty, and sweet rural beauty, it was a meal or a lint mill before steam power had come into use.
