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.
UPTAIL, v., adj.
I. v. To bolt, run away, “turn tail” (Abd. 1903 Abd. Wkly. Free Press (1 Aug.)).
II. adj. In phr. to be up tail and awa', to leave in haste, to flee on the instant (Ork., Abd., Ags., Per. 1973), uptail doun (Ork. 1973).Abd. 1929:
She wis up tail an' awa' fan the gee took her.
