Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†LATE, v. Also lait; leet (Jam.). To soften or reduce the temper of iron or steel by heating it or through the action of rust (Sc. 1825 Jam.). See also first quot.Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis:
A knife or such like is lated, when it is heated in the fire, till it hath lost its colour and temper, and so may be bended which way you please. They say also that iron is lated, when it is covered over with tin.Abd.15 1950:
Dinna lay by the gweed knives on dried them weel or they'll be a' laitit.
