Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HOBITER, n. A Sh. fisherman's tabu-name for a horse (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.).
[For *hogbiter, from Hoga, hill-pasture + biter, one who bites, i.e. grazes. Cf. Faer. beita hagan, to graze on a hill.]