Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

WORT, n., v. Also wurt. s.Sc. variant of Ort, n.¹, v. See W, letter, 3.(1).

I. n. Gen. in pl.: the refuse of fodder left uneaten by animals (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).

II. v. To waste, spoil or use unthriftily, esp. of food or fodder (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.); fig. used of flirting or love affairs as in quot.Bwk. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 216:
Wort . . . is used in a singular sense, in regard to toying with females: “That chield worts the women”; it is said when a young fellow salutes and one neglects another.