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.
ILL-BIST, n., v. Also ill-birst (Sh.), -beesk(Ork.).
I. n. A tendency to anger or bad temper, a bad disposition (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), s.v. bist, Sh. 1958).
II. v. Only as ppl.adj. ill-bisten, -bistit, -ed, -beeskit (Ork.), bad-tempered, cross, perverse, wicked (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; I.Sc. 1958). Phr. to be ill-bisten for, to threaten harm or mischief to (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1879 Shetland Times (22 March):
I ken he wis ill-bistin fir him.Sh. 1924 J. Hunter Sketches 103:
“What's du roosin' me fur?” says I, kind o' ill-bisted wye.
