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.
Quotation dates: 1816-1930
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MAISTLINS, adv. Also maistleens, mastlins. Cf. Eng. dial. mostlings.
1. Almost, well nigh (I.Sc., Per. 1962).Edb. 1816 J. Aikman Poems 45:
Wha never think their day's begun Till yours an' mine is maistlins run.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 153:
Sir Tullidaff, that lay down-knocket, Was maistlins smother't up, and chokit.Per. 1857 J. Stewart Sketches 170:
But fell, an' maistlins smashed my harns.Ags. 1884 Brechin Advert. (15 Jan.) 3:
While the readin o' the chapter has maistlins become a thing o' the past.Lnk. 1890 H. Muir Rutherglen 55:
I was maistlin's forgettin' to tell ye.Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. viii. 317:
Like whit anither ald Orknaman afore me day maistlins deud.Sh. 1930 Shetland Almanac 194:
Maistleens every peerie schield 'at we met frae Skibbadock in, edder ast fir a schowe ir a match.
2. For the most part, mostly (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Maist + -Lins.]
