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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.

ZETLAND, prop.n. Also Zett- (Sh. 1718 Old-Lore Misc. vi. iv. 193). A variant spelling of the name Shetland, still used as the official name of the county, and in a peerage title. Also attrib. Hence Zetlander, a native of Shetland, Zetlandic(k), belonging to Shetland, Shetland speech, etc. [′zɛtlɑnd. See etym. note.]Sc. 1701 J. Brand Descr. Ork. etc. (1883) Pref. 8:
A false Account of these places, especially Zetland, which is unknown to most of the Nation, if not, that they have only heard, there were such Isles, as the Zetlandick.Sc. 1702 Foulis Acct. Bk. (S.H.S.) 307:
To Jamie Gray for the brydle to the zetland pownie.Sc. 1747 Caled. Mercury (14 July):
To be sold cheap, fine Zetland hard Fish.Sc. 1801 J. Kemp Observ. on Sh. 1:
The ancient name of these islands is Zetland; and the name which the inhabitants are still fond of using, particularly in orthography.Sh. 1809 A. Edmonston View Zetland I. 143:
More or less of it [a drawl] may be discovered in every speech purely Zetlandic.Sc. 1814 Lockhart Scott xxviii.:
They are, like all the other Zetlanders I have seen, a strong, clear-complexioned, handsome race, and the women are very pretty.Sc. 1889 Acts 52 & 53 Victoria c.50 § 38:
The county of Orkney and lordship of Zetland.Sh. 1971 New Shetlander No. 95. 14:
The balance between the old Lerwick Town and Zetland County Councils.