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.
MISBEHADEN, ppl.adj. Also misbehadden. Out of place, improper, unbecoming, impolite, esp. applied to a spoken word (Sc. 1808 Jam.; I. and ne.Sc. 1963). Also in Eng. dial.; of a child: undisciplined, obstreperous. Also transf.Slk. 1822 Hogg Tales (1874) 622:
The first side that lifts a sword, or says a misbehadden word.n.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
“Misbehadden geit”, a child that is very ill-trained.Rnf. 1825 Gaberlunzie 71:
She never said a misbehaden word to Jamie.Fif. 1887 S. Tytler Logie Town I. xi.:
In all that time I've never heard him speak a misbehadden word.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (29 Jan.):
Der no a misbehadden yackle in her mooth.Kcb.4 1900:
I ne'er mowban'd a misbehauden word that could hae ruffled her birses.
