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.
Quotation dates: 1822-1941
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KILT, v.2, n.2
I. v. 1. To overturn, upset (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; m.Lth., s.Sc. 1960), to tumble. Cf. Kelter. Also with owre (o'er).Sc. 1822 R. M'Chronicle Legends Scot. II. 7:
I saw the muckle black stane they used to ca' the Corby — it that used to be up at the top o' the craig, and noo it's doon at the foot; and I thought — "Wha the de'il kilted the Corby o'er the craig?"s.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
See gin ye can kilt that stane o'er.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin vi.:
Takin' Willie captive, an' kiltin' him ower on his beam-ends.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 11:
A thocht the sowl wad take a dwam, an kilt owre.Dmf. 1941:
He kilted heels ower heid.
2. To tilt (up) (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1960).Hdg. 1883 J. Martine Reminisc. 21:
On the two brethren rising up, the form "kilted up," and Robin fell on the floor.
II. n. ‡1. An overturn, upset (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
A bang'd again 'im, an' gae 'im sic a kilt.
2. A tilt (up); in masonry: the slope of a stone to run the water off, esp. in the erection of a staircase (Lth. 1825 Jam.; Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 942); fig. an unnatural or ungraceful elevation of the voice in singing (Lth. 1825 Jam.).Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
Let's gie this muckle stane a kilt up.
Comb.: kilt fillet, a tilting fillet on a roof (Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 942).
[Orig. obscure. Phs. an irreg. variant of tilt.]
