Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HANDTRIST, v. Also hand(d)rist, hantrist, hand(i)risk, handirist.
1. To separate threshed corn from the straw, etc. by sifting it in the hands (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., handdrist, 1908 Jak. (1928), -(i)rist, -(i)risk, hantrist, 1914 Angus Gl., handtrist, Sh. 1956).
2. To twist straw between the hands to make bundles (Sh.10 1956).
3. To rummage impatiently, to throw things about in a hurried search, to ransack (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1956).
[Hand + Trist; O.N. þrysta, to squeeze, press.]
