Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1929-1931
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LETTO, n., int. Also let(e) (Jak.). [′læt(o)]
I. n. A trifle. something insignificant or of little worth. Used attrib.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
A letto ting o' a calf.
II. int. As an exclam. of commiseration or disparagement: dear, dear! (Ork. 1960). Also written, by wrong division, o lit! o lit! (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.), lit-a-lit. Used to a small child or animal (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Oh letto! what a ting! A letto, a letto!Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 137:
Lit-a-lit, alt'o da wather waasna rouch sheu camna back.
