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.
†MATHER, n. Also maither. Sc. forms of Eng. madder, the root of the plant Rubia tinctarum, used to prepare a dye or medicinally. See D, 4. The form mather became obs. in Eng. in the 17th c.Inv. 1726 Steuart Letter Bk. (S.H.S.) 256:
I received yours of 9 May and one formarly annent your barrell of mather seized and in this warhouse.Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems 202:
Physic for Danes like maither.
