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.
KETTER, n., adj. [′k(j)ɛtər]
I. n. A mean heartless fellow; a miserly person. Also attrib.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Used in a derisive couplet flung at any person seen carrying eggs. “Ketter-negger, hen beggar, Beg the egg afore she laid her.”Ork. 1930:
“He's no a ketter o' whit he hes,” said of one who is open-handed and generous.Ork. 1959:
“Say ketter an' thoo'll get her.” Risky to say to a person carrying eggs of doubtful age.
II. adj. Mean, stingy, heartless (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Prob. an extended meaning of Kater, n., in its orig. sense of a laird's taxgatherer. See etym. notes s.v. and to Caterloon.]
