Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HINT, n.² Also hent (Ork.).

Sc. usages:

1. A moment, instant (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.; Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Ork. 1889 E.E.P. V. 809; Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; Sh. 1957).Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 105:
In throw the thickest o' the crowd he sprang, An' in a hint he clasp't her hard an' fast.

2. In phr. neither hint nor hair, nothing at all, not a vestige (Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 208; ne.Sc., Ags. 1957).Ags. 1899 J. B. Salmond My Man Sandy 7:
As for the he tortyshall kitlin', I've never seen hint nor hair o't.Fif. 1926 I. Farquhar Pickletillie 13:
Fancy a' this gaun on an' us never to hear hint nor hair o't.Bnff. 1955 Banffshire Jnl. (11 Jan.):
He never saw hint nor hair o' her a' the wye.