Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SLATHER, v., n. Also slaither. [′slɑðər, ′sleðər]

I. v. tr. To beslobber, smear with anything wet and messy; fig. to flatter, “suck up to,” “smarm” over.Per. 1904 E.D.D.:
He's slaitherin' him noo.

II. n. A smear, slobber, a quantity of any messy substance (Bte., Rxb. 1970); fig. a “softie” of a person, a sloppy, spineless fellow.Mry. 1939 J. M. Dallas Toakburn 57:
He's a lang slather o' a man, but there is a little gweed in his heart.w.Sc. 1939 A. Borthwick Always a little further v.:
Two big slabs o' breed wi' a slather o' jam in atween.