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.
HELTER, n., v. Also hilter (Abd. a.1825 in Jam., s.v. Cuttumrung, 1832 W. Scott Poems 94); heltar (Sc. 1745 W. Fraser Sutherland Bk. (1892) II. 94). Sc. forms of Eng. halter. Gen.Sc. Also = Branks, n., 1. (see quot.).Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 17. 21:
The rope and wood affair Shetlanders call a “helter” is known in Orkney as branks.
Sc. n. combs.: (1) helter-braid, “the fleshy part along the side of the thrapple” (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. X. 191). See Breed, n.1; (2) helter-shank, -shaft, the rope of a halter (Ork.1 1928, -shaft; Ork., Cai., Dmf., s.Sc. 1957); the short restraining rein running from the bit ring of one horse in a pair to the haims of the other (Kcb. 1957).(2) Sh. 1899 Shetland News (19 Aug.):
Ane o' wir horses . . . wis knappid ane o' her helter shanks, an' staandin' i' wir best bit o' bere.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 105:
The “helter-shank” was made as long as from the head of the beast to clear its heels. A wooden “swill” (swivel) (this was a piece of wood about five inches long and two and a half inches wide, shaped like the figure 8, the holes in each end being “sweed,” that is pierced by burning), had the end of the helter-shank put through it and knotted.
