Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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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!