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.
Quotation dates: 1880-1929
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TILT, n.2 Ork. form and usage of Eng. tilth (See T, letter, 9.). [tɪlt]
1. As in Eng., the act of cultivation, ploughing, sowing, harrowing. Used fig. in phr. i' geud tilt, in good condition.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 53:
Backaskeel's boat an' a' her graith wus i' geud tilt.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 107:
When the “tilt” was completed, the spring work was practically done.
2. By extension: a vexatious or troublesome job, a hard struggle (Ork. 1972).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
What a tilt tae hae tae wash a' that claes! Aye, she's haen a gey tilt wi' that bairn.
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"Tilt n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/tilt_n2>
