Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1814-1880
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MAJOR, n., v. Also mawjor (Ags. 1853 W. Blair Aberbrothock 35). Sc. usages. [‡′mɑdʒər]
I. n. In Sc. comb.: major-mindit, haughty in demeanour, high-minded, having a commanding disposition, as of a high-ranking military officer (Cld. 1825 Jam.; em. and s.Sc. 1962). Deriv. ¶majorfu, authoritative, commanding.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xiii.:
He displayed his valour by giein' utterance to sundry aiths . . . an' by cryin' oot wi' a majorfu' like tone o' voice.Mry. 1880 Jam.:
Although I be soger clad, I am major-mindit.
II. v. To strut about, to pace up and down with a military air.Sc. 1814 Scott Waverley xlii.:
Mr Waverley's wearied wi' majoring yonder afore the muckle pier-glass.Sc. 1822 Scott Pirate xxx.:
Then in comes a witch with an ellwand in her hand, and she raises the wind or lays it, which ever she likes, majors up and down my house, as if she was mistress of it.
