Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PLATTER, v., n., adv. Also plotter.
I. v. 1. To dabble with the hands in a liquid, to work in a messy, slovenly way, to Plowter (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 129; w.Sc. 1880 Jam., plotter). Vbl.n. plotterin, messy, careless work.e.Lth. 1885 S. Mucklebackit Rhymes 39:
He'd platter For troots an' eels in Tyne's deep water.
2. To splash noisily and clumsily through mud or water (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 129; w.Sc. 1880 Jam., plotter; Sh. 1966).
3. To wander about in an aimless, leisurely way, to drift around, potter about (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., plotter).wm.Sc. 1889 J. C. Alston West Coast Ballads 1:
Ye're safe ahint the quay, baith schooner, cutter, yawl, Or plotter in the locks up by o' Forth and Clyde Canaul.
II. n. The act of dabbling in water, mud, etc. with the hands or feet, the splashing noise so made (Gregor; Sh. 1966).
III. adv. With a splashing noise, “splosh!” (Gregor).
[Prob. chiefly onomat. Cf. splatter.]
