Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CATTERBATTER, CATTERBATCH, Catterbat, n. and v. [′kɑtər′bɑt(ər), -′bɑtʃ]
1. n. “A broil, a quarrel” (Fif. 1825 Jam.2, catterbatch; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., catterbatter, catterbat).Rxb. 1918 Kelso Chron. (8 Nov.) 3/5:
They never had a “word” during the long service, except a short catter-batter about some sheep.
2. v. “To wrangle; at times implying the idea of good humour” (Tweedd. 1825 Jam.2; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Vbl.n. catter-battereen.Rxb.(D) 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 7:
Dinna begin o catter-battereen aboot poleeteeks here!
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"Catterbatter n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/catterbatter>
