Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FOSTER, n., v. Sc. usages, previously obs. in Eng.:
I. n. An adopted child (Cai. 1900 E.D.D.; Cai. 1953).Sc. a.1750 W. McFarlane Geneal. Coll. (S.H.S.) I. 91:
He left no Succession, but tailzied his Estate to his Foster The Tutor of Kintail.
II. v. To feed, nourish, esp. of a mother suckling her offspring (I.Sc., Cai.7, Bnff.2, Abd.2 1946).Sh. 1898 Shet. News (7 May):
Hit's only a ting o' a gimmer, and shü'll no foster twa lambs 'ithoot suntin' aff o' da haand.
