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.
Quotation dates: 1773-1901
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PITH, n. Sc. usages of Eng. pith, vigour, strength, vital force or essence. Phrs.: (1) a' one's pith, with all one's energy, with might and main (Ork., n.Sc. 1966); (2) here's pith, as a toast: good health!; ¶(3) the pith o' hemp, the hangman's noose; (4) the pith o' maut, whisky.(1) Ayr. 1870 J. K. Hunter Life Studies 280:
I fell till him wi' the strap, and laid on him a' my pith till I was sweatin'.Lnk. 1881 A. Wardrop J. Mathison's Courtship 18:
Get ready a' yer pith, for the minister'll be here directly.m.Sc. 1898 J. Buchan John Burnet iii. xvii.:
"Ride a' your pith, man," he said, "ride like the wind to the toun, and bid our folk hurry back."(2) Ayr. 1901 G. Douglas Green Shutters xiii.:
"Here's pith!"said Gibson, — "Pith!" said the other in chorus, and they nodded to each other in amity, primed glasses up and ready.(3) Edb. 1821 W. Liddle Poems 150:
If [you] shore them wi' the pith o' h[em]p, 'Twill surely keep them mair in stent.(4) Fif. 1811 C. Gray Poems 160:
Gie me the sterling pith o' maut, Aboon them a' it bears the gree.Peb. 1836 J. Affleck Poet. Wks. 87:
Strangers to the pith o' malt, Sworn foes to social drinkin'.ne.Sc. 1836 J. Grant Tales 66:
They swiggit awa' at the pith o' the maut, till they waur a' gaylie to live.
Adj. pithy, strong, robust , powerful; prosperous, comfortably off, well-to-do (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1954 Hawick News (18 June) 7).Edb. 1773 Fergusson Poems ( S.T.S.) II. 106:
His bairns a' before the flood Had langer tack o' flesh and blood, And on mair pithy shanks they stood.Fif. 1812 W. Tennant Anster Fair 33:
Some are flush'd with horns of pithy ale.Dmb. 1868 J. Salmon Gowodean 63:
Pithy yill and brandy, couper's fare.
