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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LAWTIE, n. Also lawty, lata ( Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 230); lawtith, lateth. Loyalty, faithfulness, honourable behaviour.Sc. 1725 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) II. 288:
She neither has Lateth nor Shame, And keeps the hale House in a steer.
Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 11:
But here and there part o' that seelfu' race Kept love an' lawty o' their honest face.
Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs I. 309:
Favour and duty, unto your bright beauty, Confirmed hath lawtie obliged to truth.
Sc.(E) 1871 P. H. Waddell Psalms xxi. 5:
Land an' lawtie baith ye hae even'd on his head.
Sc.(E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ III. xlv.:
Hoo aften have I fun'-na lawtith, whaur I thocht I was shair o't!

[O.Sc. lawte, 1375, lauta, c.1470, lauteth, 1517, loyalty, O.Fr. leaute, lewte, lealte(d), id. Cf. Leal. For the ending cf. Daintith, and Dint, n.1 with notes.]

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