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.
TAMTARRIE, n., v. Also †-tary; -tier. [†tɑm′tɑri, tɑm′ti:r]
I. n. Suspense, tenterhooks, “ the state of being detained under frivolous pretences” (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 216). Phr. to hold one in tamtary, to keep one in suspense, to tease or exasperate by delay, “to vex or disquiet one” (n.Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis s.v. Tary).
II. v. “To cause delay by frivolous pretences” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., tamtier).
[Orig. uncertain. Poss. a corruption of Mid.Eng. Tantale, Tantaly, Tantalus, hence the state of Tantalus, the action of tantalising with influence from the synonymous tig-tire, s.v. Tig, III. 4.]
