Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1778-1943
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TOTUM, n.2 Also totim (Abd. 1880 W. Robbie Glendornie xxx.), tottim, tottum. [′totʌm]
1. A term of endearment for a small toddling child, a tot (Sc. 1825 Jam.; n.Sc., Per., Dmb., Lnk. 1972).Abd. a.1794 in W. Stenhouse Illustr. to Sc. Musical Museum (1853) 151:
Whene'er the totums cry for meat.Lnk. 1808 W. Watson Poems (1877) 120:
As granny was watchin' the stirrin' bit tottum.Ayr. 1834 Galt Liter. Life III. 76:
Moses Waft grew into a totum, as we call a running wean.Edb. 1856 J. Ballantine Poems 147:
Wi' ae wee tottum sleepin' 'neath its mithers' ee.Ags. 1878 D. M. Ogilvy Poems 127:
There's a croodlin' totum on's grannie's knee.Lnl. 1910 J. White Eppie Gray 10:
Wee hairmless tottums free o' guile.Sc. 1943 J. Bridie Mr Bolfry i.:
Telling stories to Colin and me when we were wee tottums.
2. Any diminutive neat person, animal or thing (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 195; n.Sc., em.Sc.(a), Lnk., Dmf. 1972).Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 62:
I am no sae short as your totum of a taylor.s.Sc. 1835 Wilson's Tales of the Borders I. 118:
"List! ye totum ye!" said she, "do ye say list?"
