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.
PURPOSE, n., adj. Sc. usages:
I. n. Efficiency, neatness, tidiness (Ork., Uls. 1967). Hence adj. purposefu, methodical, efficient; n. purposeness, methodicalness, neatness of dress or appearance, efficiency in work (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 136; Cld. 1880 Jam.).Cld. 1880 Jam.:
She keepit the house weel red up, for she was a lass o' some purpose.Sc. 1917 D. G. Mitchell Clachan Kirk 82:
Mary . . . an' Martha — the eident, purpose-fu' women — raxin roun the best dishes.
II. adj. Well-ordered, tidy, well-organized, methodical; having a tidy, spick-and-span appearance (Abd., Slk. 1825 Jam.; I., n., em.Sc.(a), Uls. 1967). Hence purpose-like, of persons: neat, tidy, methodical, efficient (Sc. 1798 Monthly Mag. (Dec.) 435, 1825 Jam.). Gen.(exc. I.)Sc.; of things: well-adapted for one's purpose, well-ordered. Also used adv., in a neat and methodical manner, efficiently (Sc. 1798 Monthly Mag. (Dec.) 435).Sc. 1782 J. Sinclair Ob. Sc. Dial. 16:
A purpose-like person is also erroneously made use of in Scotland, for a person seemingly well qualified for any particular business or employment.Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality xxxviii.:
The gude-wife should make a bed up for him at the house, mair purpose-like and comfortable than the like o' them could gie him.Fif. 1882 S. Tytler Sc. Marriages III. ix.:
A long apprenticeship to a “purpose” particular dressmaker.Mry. 1883 F. Sutherland Memories 229:
Purpose-like dames in high fashion were there.Ags. 1883 Brechin Advertiser (23 Jan.) 23:
Maggie wis a wise-like purpose body.Sh. 1896 J. Burgess Lowra Biglan 58:
A cleanly, purpose wumman, an' as busy as da bee.Ags. 1936 A. Fleming Christina Strang viii.:
All the resolute calm of what Craigmouth calls a “purpose” woman.Sh. 1967:
A purpose steen: a stone suitable for some particular purpose in a wall — one that can be used for building, in contrast to rubble.
