Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PAITER, v.1, n. Also p(a)itter, pater (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. patter. [′petər]
I. v. 1. intr. (1) To talk in a persistent, monotonous way, to chatter on endlessly, indulge in a monologue, mutter on (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.). Ppl.adj. paterin, garrulous.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xv.:
John M'Briar, the auld paterin' sinner.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (1 May) 459:
Tak this bairn out o' my way this minute. It's been whinnin' an' pitterin' this 'oor or mair.Per. 1895 R. Ford Tayside Songs 269:
My mither paiters loud an' sair, Misca's men-fouk like a' that.
(2) To speak in an undertone, whisper, carry on a low-voiced conversation (Abd. 1825 Jam., patter).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He paterd intill him, he whispered something in his ear.
II. n. 1. A sound, a whisper, the slightest noise or hint of speech, a syllable, word.Sc. 1824 Blackwood's Mag. (March) 297:
For the life that's in your bouk dinna let a pater about it escape frae atween your lips.
2. Prattle, chatter; affected speech (Peb. 1965).Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xii.:
They've an awfu' gift o' speech, they Englishers! Hoosumever, his paiters cam to an end belyve.
3. A loquacious, talkative person, usu. applied to a woman, a gossip, chatter-box (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.).
