Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GOTHERLISCH, adj., n. Also godder-, guther-, -lidge, -litch, -ligh.
I. adj. †1. Sanctimonious, canting, ludicrously pious, “a term expressive of ridicule or contempt” (Jam.2).Kcd. 1825 Jam.:
A godderlisch gouk, one who affects a great deal of sanctity, and introduces religion without regard to the season or any exercise of prudence.
†2. “Foolish, in a general sense” (Ib., gotherlisch).
‡3 “Confused, in a state of disorder; applied often to persons” (Bnff. 1825 Jam., gotherligh); eating in a dirty, greedy manner (Abd. 1921 W. Walker W.-L., gutherlidge); sluttish, slovenly (Abd. 1825 Jam., godderlitch, ‡Abd. 1955).
II. n. 1. “Want of delicacy, either in sentiment or manners” (Mry. 1813 W. Leslie Agric. Mry. 457).
2. A stupid fool (Rs. gutherlidge, Bnff. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.).
[Of doubtful origin. The word seems to be the same as n.Eng. dial. goddartly, cautiously, unconcernedly, gotherly, godderly, affable, kindly. Cf. also n.Eng. dial. goddard, gothard, a fool. The Eng. Forms may represent developments of good-heart(-ly), and the Sc. usages may be extended meanings of these, in some cases with influence from Gutter, n., v.1]
