Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKELLET, n.2, adj. Also -ett, -at, -ad (Cai.), skillet. Sc. forms and usage of Eng. skillet, a saucepan (Gsw. 1719 Gsw. Testaments MSS. XLVII. 30).
I. n. A tin vessel of the same or sim. shape used as a scoop for water (Cai., Inv., Mry. 1970). Also attrib.Kcb. 1894 Crockett Raiders xxvii.:
She dipped a tin skillet in the pot.Cai. 1915 John o' Groat Jnl. (25 June):
Bowls an' bickers, skellat joogs an' siccan leems, for drink.Cai. 1937 Scotsman (12 Nov.):
In Caithness fifty years ago “skelletts” were regularly sold by the tinsmiths or tinkers, and were of the same shape and make as a half-gallon tin jug, a except that the handle was of tubular tin with a crook at the end.
II. adj. Given as meaning made of cast-iron or tin (Sc., Dmf. 1825 Jam.), but this is prob. due to a misunderstanding of the n. used attrib.
