Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶TETH, n. Temper, disposition (Fif. 1808 Jam.). Hence †ill-tethed, malevolent, "ill-conditioned" (Fif. 1825 Jam.).
[The form of the word is uncertain and the orig. obscure. Phs. to be connected with Tid. Poss. a back formation from ill-tethed, from Tathe, v., 2., sc. sour, of land, in poor heart.]
