Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡DULHOIT, DOLHOIT, n. “A state of lassitude in which the person affected feels unable to work or to perform usual duties; and which uncharitable folk attribute to laziness, but which more considerate folk attribute to disordered nerves” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.), found only in phrs. such as: 1. de creature is turned dolhoit, “the beast has lost its condition and good appearance” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); 2. he's cassen a dolhoit upon him, “he is dirty and carelessly dressed” (Ib.); 3. to cast anesell op in (intill) a dolhoit, to cast a dolhoit ower anesell, (1) “to malinger in order to get out of some work or other” (Ib.); (2) to become sulky and retiring (Ib.); 4. to sit in a dolhoit, to feign illness, to sulk (Ib.).
[Ad. Du. dolheid, Mid.Du. dulheit, mental disorder.]
