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.
†PUTTY, n. A jocular or familiar name for a patent type of golf-ball (see quot.).Fif. 1897 R. Forgan Golfer's Manual 41:
The “Eclipse” patent ball appeared, said to contain a mixture of cork-filings, india-rubber, and other unknown substances . . . Confirmation of this verdict on the “Gutty v. Putty” question (the “putty” being the popular name for the “Eclipse”) came from an unexpected quarter.
