Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†KATER, n. Also quatel. Only in comb. kater-fish, the due of fish claimed by the landlord from the crofter fishermen of Caithness when they returned with their catch. Now only hist. [′ketər]Cai. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ VII. 525:
Tenants on the sea coast paid teind and quatel fish, and oil, out of each boat belonging to them.Ib. X. 18:
Proprietors, whose tenants go to the fishing, generally get a small present of fish on their coming from sea, since what was called katerfish has been abolished.