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.
WHILTER, n.2 Also wholter (Sc. 1851 J. Drummond Sc. Draught Game xii.). A game at draughts, characterised by a certain opening exchange of moves (see quot.).Sc. 1878 A. Anderson Draughts xviii:
The “Whilter” is formed by the first five moves: 11–15, 23 19, 9–14, 22 17, 7–11. There was no play published on this opening previous to its appearance in Anderson's first edition. “Whilter” or “Wholter” (in Scotch) signifying an overturning, or a change productive of confusion, is remarkably applicable to many of the unexpected changes which occur in this game.
