Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PEIST, v., n. [pəist]
I. v. To work in a lethargic, half-hearted way, to “swing the lead”, make a poor attempt at a job (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 123). Freq. form peister, id. (Abd., Kcb. 1930). Agent n. peister, a slow, bungling worker (Kcb. 1930). Ppl.adj., vbl.n. peist(er)in, peistan, incompetent, inefficient, lackadaisical(Abd.4 1929); a half-hearted attempt at work, a botched job (Gregor).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 123:
That vricht's bit a peer peistin' busht.
2. In freq. form peister: to make one's way with difficulty, struggle along (Mry.1 1925; Mry., Bnff. 1965).
II. n. 1. A feeble little person, an ineffectual creature (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 123).
[Etym. obscure.]
