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.
†POUSTER, n. Also powster (Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxx.; Abd. 1880 W. Robbie Yonderton 60); pooster, puster; postor (Rs. 1911 W. McGill Old Ross-shire II. 94). Sc. forms and usage of Eng. posture (Ork. 1725 B. H. Hossack Kirkwall (1900) 106; Arg. 1745 Trans. Gael. Soc. Inv. XXI. 162). A position in space, situation, location (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., pooster); a state of affairs, condition (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., puster). Obs. in Eng. [I.Sc. ′pustər; ne.Sc. ′pʌu-]Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 14:
Paetie pat his gun i the sam pouster at he saw Johnnie deuan.Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
He took up that powster on the hill.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 133:
Sheu pat dem i' pooster i' twa raws in fae da door.
