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.
OWTHER, adj., adv., conj. Also outher. Either, in alternatives. Obs. exc. dial. in Eng. Cf. Nowther. [′ʌuðər]Dmf. 1779 Weekly Mag. (7 April) 67:
Had ane been owther wat or weary.Abd. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 100:
Wha has a heart sae borne don wi' wae, Will but ill-far'dly owther sing or say.Peb. 1805 J. Nicol Poems II. 108:
My Nancy's love is mair to me, Than outher walth or power.Rnf. 1813 E. Picken Poems I. 97:
They are the warst sight e'er ye saw, At kirk or market owther.Slk. 1818 Hogg B. of Bodsbeck vi.:
Dinna think howanabee, that I care for outher you or it.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 19:
A'm owther geetin jaappeet an splairggeet wui dirrt, or dunsht wui folk.s.Sc. 1962 Southern Annual 18:
Wi' that he slippit off his clogs, and, pittin' yin under owther oxter, Bob . . .
Hence outherans, -ance, owtherins, id. Cf. -In(g), suff., 3. and Eitherins.Lnk. 1825 Jam.:
I'll no do that owtherins.Gsw. 1872 J. Young Lochlomond Side 35:
Outherance downa lift his e'e Or be at saul a mowdiwart.
