Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†WITHGATE, n. 1. Free passage, unrestricted access, or admission. Obs. in Eng.Sc. 1706 Sc. Antiquary XII. 101:
If they had withgate tae carry in Shanks Fingrins and other Guids we make, into England.
2. Advantage, profit, only in phr. to get the withgate, to get the better of, gain the advantage over, overcome by some pretence (Ayr. 1825 Jam.).
[O.Sc. withgait, liberty, permission, 1599, from with + Gate, n., 1., corresponding to earlier withgang, liberty, c.1420, profit, 1456, O.N. viðganga, admission, viðgangr, increase. See Gang, n.]
