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: 1899-1908
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RA, n., v. Also raa. [rɑ:]
I. n. A length of an animal's tether, doubled back and knotted to shorten the animal's range. Fig., of human beings, in phr. to get a ra on one's tedder, to be put on short supply (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1904 E.D.D.:
If a fisherman finds his line chafed or stranded he will tie it in the weakened part with an overhand knot. This he calls “putting in a raa” on his line.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To tak a ra upo de tedder, on a coo's tedder . . . He's gotten a ra on his tedder.
II. v. To shorten an animal's tether in this way, or a rope or line in general (Jak., Angus, Sh. 1967).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (17 June):
Shü took an' raaed da tedder up ta da swill. . . . Doo hed da impitence ta raa my coo's tedder upo' my ain girse.
