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.
TOWNIT, n. Also townet, tounet, -nit. The preparation of yarn by the carding and spinning of wool, the manufacture of woollen thread (Sh. 1814 Abbotsford MS., 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1972), the material so processed (Ib.), a piece of knitting; women's work in gen. (Ork. 1929 Marw.); any strenuous or laborious job (Jak.). Comb. townet house, a room or apartment in which wool is processed. [′tʌunət]Ork. 1747 P. Ork. A.S. XII. 51:
In the Townet House.Ork. 1912 Old-Lore Misc. V. iii. 114:
When engaged in winding simmons the men were said to be at their townit (a word chiefly used when women's handiwork was spoken of — carding, spinning, and knitting).Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Dem at teases ill der u begins ill der townet.Sh. 1933 J. Nicolson Hentilagets 17:
Dan Granni wid stop her townit.Sh. 1964 New Shetlander No. 70. 27:
She hed a townit in her hand.
