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.
Quotation dates: 1779-1872, 1925-1962
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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.
