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.
PETER, n.2 Sc. phrs.: 1. to come the peter ower, to act in an arbitrary or domineering way over, to dictate to. Gen.Sc.; 2. to mak a peter o' to make a fool or a guy of; 3. to pit the peter on, to put a firm and sudden stop to, bring up short (Cai., Bnff. 1903 E.D.D.). Gen.Sc.1. Lnk. 1910 C. Fraser Glengonnar 94:
She mauna come the peter owre me like that.2. Bnff. 1903 E.D.D.:
Ye nivver saw sic a peter's they made o' the aul' cripple boddie wi' geein 'im ower muckle drink. The bairn fell in the deuk dub ower the een an made a bonnie [or fine] peter o'himsell.3. m.Sc. 1893 A. S. Swan Homespun vi.:
She'd pit the peter on me gaun to Bawbie's.Lnk. 1926 Hamilton Advert. (23 Jan.):
He could pit the peter on some o' the birkies wha thocht a lot o' themsel's.Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains & Hilly 5:
His elyers are a' inveetit to the manse to wir denner eence i' the 'ear, an' gweed fegs, it fair pits the peter on me.
