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.
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.
