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.
TANT, v. A variant form, now obs. in Eng., of taunt (Sc. a.1776 Herd's MSS. (Hecht 1904) 226; Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems 300). Sc. usages:
1. To argue or dispute in a quarrelsome manner, to rage (Sc. 1887 Jam.); of wind: to storm, blow in great gusts, hence ppl.adj. tanting, blustery.Sc. 1886 N. & Q. (Ser. 4) I. 163:
Send us not a ranting, tanting, tearing win', but a thuddering, duddering, drying ane.
2. I.Sc. usage: tr. to disorder, cause indigestion in, upset (the stomach or appetite) (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; I.Sc. 1972); intr. of an animal: to refuse food (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (28 May):
Doo kens foo little taunts my puir waik stammik.Sh. 1905 E.D.D.:
Food is said to taunt a person when it remains in the stomach too long undigested.
