Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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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.
SLAUCHTER, v., n. Also slachter (Inv. c.1730 Trans. Inv. Scientif. Soc. I. 228, Fif. 1887 S. Tytler Logie Town II. xi.); slachtir (Sc. 1879 P. H. Waddell Isaiah xxxiv. 2). Gen.Sc. forms of Eng. slaughter. [Gen.Sc. ′slǫxtər, ′slɑ-]m.Sc. 1997 Liz Niven Past Presents 14:
Bairn o seven dischairged
Fae watching the slauchter.
Men yeuk like warriors,
A swine squeals atour the yerd em.Sc. 2000 James Robertson The Fanatic 70:
' ... But if I didna plead for the puir craiturs, there's gey few ithers would - no wi ony conviction, leastweys, for ye canna get a less popular panel than a witch - and the likes o Prestoun would hae a clear road tae drive them tae slauchter. ... '
