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.
HELPENDER, n. Also helpener, helpinder, hilpen(d)er. An assistant, a helper, gen. of a minister or a schoolteacher.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xviii.:
The Presbytery made a fashion o' sattlin' this Maister Middleton, that hed been helpener afore to Ferdie.Abd. 1895 J. Davidson Ministers 23:
Mr Lessel settled down as dominie and “helpender” in the parish.Abd. 1928 Word-Lore III. 148:
Johnnie wis tapsmin, an' he hed a gweed hunner helpinders an' hirelins aneth him!Abd. 1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick iii.:
Ye niver can tell fan a blister mith licht atween lairds an' 'eir aal hoosekeepers ur young hilpenders.
