Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SWEETEN, v. 1. Sc. fig. usage, also in Eng. slang or dial.: to bribe, to give a douceur to. Gen.Sc.Gall. 1796 J. Lauderdale Poems 84:
Now-a-days ane canna' phraise, An' sooth, an' lie, an' sweeten.Sc. 1821 D. Haggart Life 61:
We sweetened the toping cove [hangman] with plenty of budge [drink].Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Sketches 313:
An attempt to sweeten the minister.
2. In vbl.n. sweetnin, a sweetmeat, a tit-bit (Ork., Bnff., Abd. 1972).Abd. 1905 W. Watson Auld Lang Syne 283:
“Noo, ma chil', gape your mouie an' get a sweetnin?” The “sweetnin'” was a pinch of sugar.
