Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

ROITER, v., n. Also royter. [′rɔitər]

I. v. 1. To speak nonsense, to babble, rave (Rnf. a.1850 Crawfurd MSS. (N.L.S.) R.57; Ayr.³ 1910, royter).

2. To work unskilfully (Ayr.³ 1910).

II. n. A piece of nonsensical talk, gibberish.Rnf. 1813 G. MacIndoe Wandering Muse 41:
When dry pump wells, and ne'er-devauling drouth, Had rous'd him wi' this roiter in his mouth: “Sleep's a sot — a dream's a cheat.”