Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RATE, n., v. Also Sc. form rait (Bnff. 1702–7 W. Cramond Ann. Bnff. (S.C.) II. 272). Sc. usages:

I. n. Phrs. at nae rate, not under any circumstances, by no means (Ags. 1967); at the rate o nae allowance, see Allooance.Sc. 1754 J. Justice Sc. Gardiner 31:
Standard Cherries may be planted to fill the upper Parts of a Wall planted with Dwarf Cherries, but not otherways at any Rate.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian viii.:
Whate'er ye do' dispone Beersheba at no rate. Slk. 1818 Hogg B. of Bodsbeck iii.:
I couldna follow him out at nae rate.Fif. 1832 Fife Herald (28 June):
Hout Donald, gang e'en yere ways, and do the Laird's bidding: we maunna anger the Laird at nae rate.

II. v. To be valued or priced. Nonce. ? Poss. a misreading of roveing, rivetting. See Ruive, v.Abd. 1708 Abd. Jnl. N. & Q. VII. 99:
For dighting and rateing four fatt girds.Lnk. 1853 W. Watson Poems 28:
Come an' see how herrin's ratin' At Broomielaw.