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: 1880-1961
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PLUIT, v., n. Also plut(t), pleut; plöt; pleet (Ork.). [pløt, plit]
I. v. To cry in a weak, feeble way, to whine, moan; to speak in a querulous, whining voice, complain (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., plutt, 1908 Jak. (1928), pløt, 1914 Angus Gl., plüt; Ork. 1929 Marw., pleet; Sh. 1966); also fig, of the sea (Sh. 1949 P. Jamieson Letters 196). Also in freq. form pleuter, pleeter, id. (Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh., Ork. 1966). Deriv. pluttie, n., the plover, from its piping, querulous cry.Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 12:
Dan he sprikkles laek sin, an he plüts, wi a wail.Sh. 1906 T. P. Ollason Spindrift 61:
Either plüttin' aloud, or scratching their towsie heads in mute distraction.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 137:
Sheu deudna pleuter or pleep aboot id.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 245:
Pör pluttie o da dreary muir Dis night did bitterly complain.Sh. 1961 New Shetlander No. 58. 15:
Da pluitin a da maas apo da knowes.
II. n. A feeble piping cry, a wail, whine (Ork. 1929 Marw., pleet; Sh. 1966); a mournful whimpering sound. Also in form pleeter, id. (Ib.).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 38:
Aye the speerit cried wi a doolfu' pleeter, "cauld, cauld am I the nicht!"Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 16. 11:
The rinkel and pluit of the burn-water.
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"Pluit v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/pluit>
