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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SHAVITER, n. A slovenly disreputable character, a miserly-looking person (Bwk. 1825 Jam.; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence shaviter-like, blackguardly looking (Slk. 1825 Jam.).Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (20 Feb.) 343:
Nae woman wad like to see her man gang away on a journey like a shaviter.

[Prob. an altered form of Eng. slang shaver, a swindler, rogue (see Shavie), after forms like curator, servitor, etc. Cf. Lameter.]

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