Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TOIT, v., n.1, adv. Also toyte, tyte. [tɔit, təit]
I. v. 1. To walk with short uncertain steps, to totter, to toddle, esp. from weakness or old age (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 203; ‡Ayr. 1912 D. McNaught Kilmaurs 296; Bnff., Abd. 1972). Ppl.adjs. tytin, toited, tottery, feeble, unsteady, vbl.n. toiting, a tottering gait or step.Ayr. 1786 Burns Auld Mare xviii.:
We've worn to crazy years thegither; We'll toyte about wi' ane anither.Abd. 1804 W. Tarras Poems 53:
To my wither't shaums mair easin, Than tytin on frae e'en to morn.Lth. 1856 J. Ballantine Poems 7:
Your back sair bowed, your pace sair toyted.Gsw. 1860 J. Young Poorhouse Lays 65:
Silly toitings o' auld age.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxv.:
I hechle, an' clocher, an' toyt but an' ben.
2. To move about doing odd or small jobs, to work in a steady but not very strenuous manner (Abd. 1972), to potter, jog on. Also in n.Eng. dial.Sc. 1843 Bk. Sc. Song (Whitelaw) 512:
They toitet an' toilet thegither through life.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xliv.:
I've toitet aboot wi ye upo' this place naar foorty year noo.
†3. (1) tr. To tease, irritate, vex.Lth. 1856 J. Ballantine Poems 4:
Tho' toited by some, and tho' lightlied by mair.
(2) intr. To take the huff, to sulk.Sc. 1878 Royal Caled. Curling Club Annual 283:
What ails that feckless carle, John Frost? I doot the chiel's abune his wark, Or else wi pet he's toytit.
II. n. †1. A continued walking with short unsteady steps, often conveying the notion of weakness or weariness (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 202).
†2. A little person (Id.).
3. An attack of illness, a dizzy turn (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Ork., sm.Sc. 1972). Adj. toitie, susceptible to illness (Gall. 1972).Peb. 1905 E.D.D.:
Puir man, he has had a bit toyte.
†4. A fit of bad temper, a caprice (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Also in n.Eng. dial.Sc. 1812 Popular Opinions 89:
We ane anither's toits now ken sae weel, Though whiles we flyte, we seldom anger feel.Gall. 1828 W. M'Dowall Poems 21:
She makes hersel' a peevish wonner, By her caprice an' toytes.
†III. adv. With short, unsteady steps (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 203).
[Variant or altered form of Tot. v., q.v. Cf. Doit, v., 2., Dyte, and Dot, v.]
