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.
ROTTACK, n. Also rottick, rottich. Any old discarded object in a decayed condition, a piece of rubbish (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 145; Abd.7 1925). Glossed by R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads II. 404 as “old musty corn; literally, the grubs in a beehive”.Mry. 1806 R. Jamieson Ballads I. 293:
And now a' their gear and ald rottacks Had faun to young Hab o' the Heuch.Bnff. 1844 T. Anderson Poems 107:
He'd sic routh o' auld rotticks, was left by his daddy.
