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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WISTER, v., n. Also wyster. Cf. Woster.

I. v. To scuffle, engage in a quarrel or brawl (Per. 1808 Jam.).Gall. 1796 J. Lauderdale Poems 25:
Ye dang fowk about and dadit Them here and there; some like to wister.

II. v. A brawl, scuffle; a struggle (Ib.).Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Tales 234:
The warl's a wearifu' wister.
Ayr. 1868 J. K. Hunter Artist's Life 93:
Johnny, that was a wister for't. I never have been beat, and never will.

[Orig. obscure. Poss. a variant form of n.Eng. dial. whister, a blow, buffet, of unknown etym. ? From whiss, whizz.]

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