Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SKILDER, n., v. Also skelder; skilter. [sk(j)ɪldər]

I. n. 1. A loud clashing noise, as of breakers on a beach (Ork. 1884 R. M. Fergusson Rambles 167, skelder); a clatter, crash, rattle (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Hi't fell wi' a skilder, of earthen- or stoneware.

Hence in pl. skilders, skilters, fragments, smithereens, of a dish which has crashed and broken into bits (Jak.; Ork. 1968, skilters).

2. A shrill noisy laugh, a medley of shouting and laughter (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Deriv. skelderack, a scatterbrain, a giddy flighty person (Ork. 1929 Marw.).Sh. 1901 T. P. Ollason Mareel 11:
Baith gae a skilder o' a lauch.

II. v. To make a loud sudden high-pitched noise, as in talking or laughing loudly (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.; I.Sc. 1970). Ppl.adjs. skilderid, shrill, loud and raucous; skilderin, boisterously merry, guffawing.Sh. 1899 Shetland News (4 Feb.):
Yon skilderid tongue o' hers.