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.
WHULT, n., v. Also whulte, quhult; whilt.
I. n. 1. A blow received from a fall; the sound of something falling (Cld. 1880 Jam., quhult).Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 474:
He gat an unco whult from falling, and he fell with a unco whult.
2. “Anything larger than is expected” (MacTaggart); a large object (Cld. 1825 Jam., quhult).Kcb. c.1930:
He was born afore we left yonder. He'll be a whult o' a thing noo.
3. A potato masher.Lnk. 1833 Whigs of Scot. II. iii.:
Hamilton o' Drumclog, who had, in the brulzie, seized a potatoe whilt.
II. v. To beat, thump (Cld. 1825 Jam., quhult). Ppl.adj. whulting. Agent n. whulter, transf., anything that is large of its kind (MacTaggart; Sc. 1825 Jam.), a “thumper” (Slg. 1974).Edb. 1813 G. Bruce Poems 101:
As soon as Tam's lang grace was doon, I wat! it was a whulter.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 191:
If e're they try't back on their rump, They will recoil wi' whulting bump.Ayr. 1913 J. Service Memorables 4:
A guid muckle whulter o' a man.
