Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MAISTERFU, adj. Also mester-; -ful(l), -fil. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. masterful:
Sc. forms of Eng. masterful.ne.Sc. 1952 John R. Allan North-East Lowlands of Scotland (1974) 113:
She was, he said, "a fair maisterful woman. Johnny, she made her pies in the skin o the Pape's back".ne.Sc. 1991 Lilianne Grant Rich in Tom Hubbard The New Makars 24:
Noo maisterfu, the floodtide saut-flung sea
Haps ilka glintin rock oot ower its heid
Sc. usages:
1. Sc. Law: threatening or using force or violence. Hence masterfully, violently, with force.Rnf. 1707 W. Hector Judicial Rec. (1876) 68:
Rodger . . . did most masterfully and violently rescue the said Gavin Pow, the prisoner, from the said Matthew Craufurd.Sc. 1747–8 Act. Parl. 21 George II. c.34 § 20:
The masterful taking away or detaining the same [cattle].Sc. 1769 Erskine Principles iv. iv. § 19:
The slaughter of night-thieves, house-breakers, assistants in masterful depredations, or rebels.Sc. 1824 Scott Redgauntlet vii.:
“Deforcement — spulzie — stouthrief — masterful rescue!” exclaimed Peter Peebles, scandalized at the resistance offered to the law.
2. Big, strong, powerful (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., mesterfil; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 111; I. and ne.Sc., Ags. 1962).
