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-HAUDEN, adj. Also -ha(u)dden.
1. ? Elusive, slippery, difficult to handle; 2. oppressed, at a loss, in difficulties (Per., Kcb., Dmf. 1958); 3. ill-haud(d)en in (aboot), saved, or scrimped to no purpose, falsely economised (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 88; Abd. 1958). Cf. Haud, v. A. 10. (2) and B. 8. (3).1. Abd. c.1760 J. Skinner Amusements (1809) 98:
An' then there's that ill hadden ghaist, That Gerard has sae finely grac'd Wi stately stile, and ca't her “Taste”.2. Kcb.6 c.1916:
A'm rale ill-hadden wi' the heat. A was gey ill-hadden to get shune braid eneuch.Dmf. 1937 T. Henderson Lockerbie 33:
Wi' twa fleshers baith wantin' tred and mair folk growing turnips they divna' seem sae ill hauden to get a killin' beast.3. Abd.7 1925:
Of thrift that sometimes proves bad: siller is ull-hauden-in on something that is really requiring to be done.Bnff. 1948:
His siller was ill hauden in aboot for he never got folk tae bide wi 'im.Abd. 1952 Buchan Observer (6 May):
If a higher percentage grade may be obtained it is “ill hadden in to skrimp the feeders.”
