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.
Quotation dates: 1791
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¶HISTY-FISTY, adj. Appar. = underhand, corrupt, as regards money.Edb. 1791 J. Learmont Poems 160:
Soon, sneakin' aff wi' branch an' stem, A fa'en star [a Premier's death] Did spoil his histy-fisty game An' gainin's mar.