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: 1768, 1835, 1938
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UNCOUTHIE, adj. Also uncouthy; uncoudy (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.). See Couthie, adj. [ʌn′kuθi; †ʌn′kudi]
1. Unfriendly, inhospitable, dreary, awe-or fear-inspiring (n.Sc. 1808 Jam., uncoudy). Now only liter. The usage in 1938 quot. is doubtful.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 79:
We'll even tak sic bield, As thir uncouthy heather hills can yield.Rnf. 1835 D. Webster Rhymes 25:
Think ye the auld uncouthie byke Wad wish them parted.Sc. 1938 M. Innes Lament for a Maker i. viii.:
Watched her in her uncouthy course until she was fair lost in the drive of the storm.
2. Eerie, full of dread or fear (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.).
3. Unseemly (Fif. 1825 Jam.), uncouth.
