Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FOT, n., v. Also foat. [fot]

I. n. Gen. in pl.: footless stockings, serving as a kind of gaiters in wet weather or snow (Slk. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Dmf. 1925 Trans. Dmf. and Gall. Antiq. Soc. 25). Also used of a child's woollen bootees (Bwk. 1912 Scotsman (4 Jan.); Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Dim. fottie, id. (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai).Rxb. 1870 J. Thomson Doric Lays 19:
Ye'se get fotties for yer feet.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 19:
A chaamp that turns foats an cuittiekins soappin-wat.

II. v. Only in ppl.adj. fottit, wearing fots, in phr. †fottit thief, “a thief of the lowest description, quasi one who has only worn fots, hoeshins or hoggars on his legs in his early years” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.), i.e. one reared in extreme poverty.