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.
‡PROFITE, adj. Proficient, skilful, expert (Fif. 1825 Jam.). Hence profiteness, skill, proficiency (Bnff. 1966). Cf. Perfit. [pro′fəit]Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 192:
O' war we rhymesters sae profite As epitaphs on thee to write.Ags. 1833 J. S. Sands Poems 25, 104:
Psalm singing was my chief delight; At prayin's too, I grew profite . . . In three short months o' summer ruddy, I grew sae profite at the studdy.Bnff.2 1930:
Stick in till 't. Practice maks profiteness.
