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.
EETTIE, n. Also eetie. In comb. eettie ottie, used in children's game (see quots.), and in counting-out rhyme (Ayr.9 1932, eetie).Abd. 1853 W. Cadenhead Flights 189:
Play at “Burry”, . . . or “Eettie ottie for a tottie, where shall this boy go?”Abd. 1900 W. C. in E.D.D.:
One of two boys might be called the prosecutor, and the other the doomster. The prosecutor brought other boys, one by one, to the doomster, who, to prevent spite or partiality, was not allowed to see the boy brought to him. The prosecutor, while he twirled his finger about the boy's palm, repeated the words, “Eettie ottie for a tottie, where shall this boy go? Shall he go east? or shall he go west? or shall he go up to the crow's nest?” The doomster then sent the boys, one after another, to such and such a door or corner. When all were disposed of, a signal was given, and whosoever reached the goal first won the game.
