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.
†HOWTIE, adj. Sc. spelling of Eng. haughty; “apt to wax angry or sulky” (Cld. 1825 Jam.). Hence howtilie, “in an angry and sulky manner” (Ib.), and howtiness, anger and sulkiness combined (Ib.).Lnk. 1853 W. Watson Poems 79:
Her kin were owre lordly for tellin An' I was owre howtie to speer.
