Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1815-1899
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WASTER, n.2, v.2 Also wauster, wester. [′wɑstər]
I. n. A fishing-spear with several prongs (Lth. 1808 Jam., wester; Dmf. 1825 Id., waster; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Sc. 1815 Scott Guy M. xxvi.:
Ground the waster weel, man! — haud him down.Slk. 1817 Hogg Tales (1874) 150:
The shank o' my waster wasna half length.s.Sc. 1863 Border Mag. (Sept.) 185:
My waster and a' my fishin' tackle.Peb. 1899 J. Grosart Chronicles 58:
There ne're was a waster that wanted a tae.
II. v. tr. To spear (a fish).Peb. 1884 J. Grosart Poems 76:
Before wausterin' sawmon was coonted a sin.
