Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CUTTER, n.3 A crack or crevice in a stratum of rock.Sc. 1756 M. Calderwood Journey (M.C.) 111:
In many places the soil is thin, within at least four inches of a soft sandy stone, so open in the cutters, and so loose, that the ground above it can have very little moisture. Fif. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XII. 543 note:
Above the rock is gravel, which admits the winter rains to pass through the numerous cutters in the strata. Sc. 1807 J. Headrick View Arran 45:
Similar cracks are found in stratified sandstone, called by workmen slips, cutters, or hacks. e.Lth. 1887 P. McNeill Blawearie 46:
Some shankers, who had been engaged sinking the sump . . . struck a “cutter”—an opening in the stone.
[Agent n. from cut.]
