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.
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.]
