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.
ETIN, Etyn, n. A giant; also used to denote a fury, witch, devil. Now only arch.Sc. 1826 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 281:
The red-etin is a monstrous personage, supposed by the common people to be so named on account of his insatiable penchant for red or raw flesh.Sc. 1827 G. R. Kinloch Ancient Sc. Ballads 229:
Till up started the Hynde Etin, Says, “Lady, let thae alane!”Knr. 1925 “H. Haliburton” Horace in Homespun 190:
Lauchs till himsel', an' nods his pow, An' chuckles like a wee red etyn, “Ho! Ho! the famous winter shootin'!”Sc.(E) 1929 L. Spence in Holyrood (ed. W. H. Hamilton) 47:
The tempests grey o' Norroway, Yon etins fell and dour, Hae blawn her hempen strands to strae.
