Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKIT, n.2, v.2 Also skitt. [skɪt, Sh., Cai. + skit]
1. Diarrhoea (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Sh., Cai., Slg., wm.Sc., Gall. 1970), esp. in animals. Also in Eng. dial.Sc. 1889 H. Stephens Bk. Farm III. 82:
A change to new luxuriant grass in damp weather may bring on the skit or diarrhoea.
2. Fig. an arrogant or disagreeable person, gen. of a woman (Sc. 1808 Jam., a proud skit; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 158; Sh. 1970). Not entirely distinguishable from Skit, n.1, 1.
II. v. To void excrement, ease oneself (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970).
[O.Sc. skytt, to void excrement, 1508. From the Scand. cognate form of Eng. shit. Cf. Norw. skit(a), dirt, ordure, diarrhoea and Skite, n.2]
