Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MOISTIFY, v. To moisten, to wet, esp. used jocularly of topers drinking. Appar. a coinage of Burns.Ayr. 1786 Burns Earnest Cry xxxii.:
Scotland, my auld, respected Mither! Tho' whiles ye moistify your leather.Rxb. 1807 J. Ruickbie Wayside Cottager 186:
A whisky soss To moistify your middle.Rnf. 1840 J. Mitchell Wee Steeple's Ghaist 119:
Then when at e'en sworn frien's convene To moistify their leather.Sc. 1862 A. Hislop Proverbs 263:
Some are gay drouthy, but ye're aye moistified.Edb. 1882 J. Walker Jaunt to Auld Reekie 87:
[They] moistified their drouthy clay Wi rousin brandy-whitters O' punch.
