Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SKINT, n., v.¹ Dim. skintie. [skɪnt]

I. n. A very small amount of anything, esp. of a liquid, a drop, freq. of liquor (Cai. 1907 County of Cai. (Horne) 84; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai. 1970); a splash (Cai. 1969 Cai. Courier (8 Jan.) 3); a small space of time (Marw.).Cai. 1902 J. Horne Canny Countryside 45:
Will ye gie me a skint, Jessie?Cai. 1952 Edb. John o' Groat Liter. Soc.:
So Mrs. Mac. came strolling back And issued out a skintie.

II. v. To splash, bespatter, throw drops of liquid about or on (Cai. 1904 E.D.D., Cai. 1970).Cai. 1957:
I was skinted wi mud.Cai. 1992 James Miller A Fine White Stoor 127:
Dougie's hand shook but he filled the tumbler. He collapsed backwards but held the glass high. It skinted and fell on him; dark spots appeared on his suit.