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.
MOOT, n.2 Also mut(t). [mut]
1. A tiny creature or thing, esp. applied to a child as a term of affection (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1963); an unprepossessing little creature (Cai.9 1939). Hence adj. mootie, -y, mut(t)i, tiny, diminutive, very small (Jak., Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1963).Sh. 1888 B. R. Anderson Broken Lights 90:
What will he? tank da Lord 'at gaarsed her smore An' sent him sic a mooty ting o' gimmer.Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 70, 98:
Ipun a simmer efternün We played wis dere, twa peerie moots. . . A caandy-drap, a mootie nip O peerie Jessie's gundy.Sh. 1894 J. Nicolson Tales of Thule 23:
Cuddle close and hear me sing, Peerie mootie lammi e.Sh. 1932 J. Saxby Trad. Lore 196:
Children or any little young things were tenderly addressed as “peerie mooties.”Sh. 1947 New Shetlander No. 4. 10:
Wan jaa egg and a mootie ting aal upon its laen.Sh. 1954 Ib. No. 40. 7:
I tout apo me nain mam, Tenn whin I wis a moot.
2. Specif. in dim. mootie, mutti, the storm petrel, Thalassidroma pelagica (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); ‡Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1963). See also Alamotti.Sh. 1834 in Old-Lore Misc. X. ii. 58:
Oh, ya! ta mooties, lamm, we will fin dem suin.
