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.
CUTTYCRUMB, n. The purring of a cat. Phr. to sing cuttycrumb, to purr. Also attrib. of a low hum or chant.Ayr. 1823 Galt Spaewife I. xxv.:
My douce baudrons lay on my lap singing cuttycrumb frae dawn to dark. Ayr. 1836 Galt in Tait's Mag. (June) 390:
I used to lilt, in a cutty-crumb voice, keeping time with the pestle: “The King sits in his parlour, etc.”
[Prob. imit. Cf. Thrum.]
