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.
DAUNTON, Daunten, Danton, Dantan, v. To frighten, to subdue (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 160, danton); to discourage; “to cast down (in spirits)” (Edb.3 1929); known to Slg.3, Lnk.3 1940, daunten; to challenge, defy. Also found in n.Cy. dial. (E.D.D.).Sc. a.1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs (2nd ed.) II. 20:
Yet a' this shall never danton me, Sae lang's I keep my fancy free.Sc. 1887 R. L. Stevenson Merry Men ii.:
It's for the like o' them . . . folk daunton God to His face and burn in muckle hell.m.Sc. 1922 “O. Douglas” Ann and her Mother 20:
She never damped your enthusiasms. “Never daunton young folk,” was one of her favourite sayings.Edb. 1773 R. Fergusson Poems (1925) 3:
Sooner at Yule-day shall the birk be drest, . . . Before a tonguey woman's noisy plea Shou'd ever be a cause to dantan me.Kcb. 1911 G. M. Gordon Auld Clay Biggin' 43:
Gentle as she was, naething i' this warld nor the next cud hae dauntened her.
