Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DALT, Dault, n. Gael.
†1. A foster-child.Sc. 1828 Scott F. M. Perth xxix.:
As much . . . would I do to any living man whose ears could have heard my dault (foster-son) so much as name a white doe.w.Sc. 1775 S. Johnson Journey 220:
The fosterer, if he gives four cows, receives likewise four, and has, while the child continues with him, grass for eight without rent, with half the calves, and all the milk, for which he pays only four cows when he dismisses his dalt, for that is the name for a fostered child.
2. “A petted girl” (Uls. 1931 “Portglenone” in North. Whig (5 Dec.) 13/2).
[Gael. dalta, a foster-son, god-son, Ir. dalta, a nursling; a pet (Dinneen).]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Dalt n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/dalt>
