Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MOUTEN, adj., v. Also moten (Sc. 1776 Lord Ingram in Child Ballads No. 66. C. xxvii.); mouden (Bnff., Mry.). Sc. variants of Eng. molten, melted. See P.L.D. § 55. Sc. usages, of fat: melted, clarified (Mry.1 1925; Bnff.6 1945). This form, being no longer associated with melt, which is now reg. conjugated as a weak verb, came to be treated as a finite verb = to melt, dissolve (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 115; Abd. 1919 T.S.D.C. III.), to clarify fat (Mry. 1911 Trans. Bnff. Field Club 109, Mry.2 1930). [′mʌutən, ′mʌud-]e.Lth. 1896 J. Lumsden Battle Dunbar 65:
Wi' satire, of the power of fire He molten'd into laughter dire.Mry. 1919 T.S.D.C.:
Twad'nt mouden in his moo'.
