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.
†LECTURI, n. The number seven, as used by Border shepherds in counting sheep (Dmf. 1922 Rymour Club Misc. III. 108). Variants of this form in children's counting-out rhymes but representing six in the numerical sequence are leetera, leetery (Ork., Ayr. 1860 P.S.A.S. XLIX. 281–2). The form lethera is found for seven in Cum. dial. (Ib.).
[The form is prob. a corrupt variant of Hecturi, q.v., used along with and following the more correct form and hence taken to mean seven instead of six, replacing such forms as Seater, Zecturi, q.v.]
