Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BENT GATES, n. pl. Lit. crooked ways; hence, underhand dealing.Sc. 1896 A. Cheviot Proverbs 179:
I hate “bent gates” quo' the wife when she haurled her man through the ingle — i.e. she approves of straight-forward conduct.