Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SPLURT, v., n. Also splirt. [splʌrt]
I. v. To spirt, squirt, eject liquid from the mouth in a splash (Sh., Cai., Ags., Per. 1971). Also in Eng. dial.Edb. 1791 J. Learmont Poems 79:
Thou [envy] bane to kintry an' to king, An' e'en thy ga' Splirts on law stations frae thy sting.
II. n. A spurt, splutter (Ags., Per. 1971); a sudden movement. Also fig. a small fracas.Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize III. vi.:
This donsie business of the Pentland raid was but a splurt.Ayr. 1826 Galt Last of Lairds iv.:
He put on his bonnet wi' a splurt like a Highlandman in a pet.
