Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

DEETLE-DOTTLE, adj. and v. comb.

1. adj.

(1) Dawdling, trifling (Abd.²⁸ 1947).Id.:
The new man at the Mains is jist a deetle-dottle cratur.

(2) Confused, muddled (in mind).Inv. 1943 C. M. Maclean Three for Cordelia 77:
It was just yirsel' that first pit me a' deetle-dottle.

2. v. To idle, potter (about).Abd.²⁸ 1947:
He's deetle-dottlin' aboot instead o' gettin' on wi' his lessons.