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.
†NATE, v. To need (Cld. 1825 Jam.). The word properly means to use, employ, Jamieson's definition being due to a misapprehension. Also in n.Eng. dial. See also Note.
[O.Sc. nait, use, profit, c.1475, Mid.Eng. nait, O.N. neyti, id.]