Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

BLEESTER, v. and n. [′blistər]

1. v.

(1) “To make an explosive noise; used espec. in phrase ‘bleesteran an' shootan'” (Ork. 1929 Marw.; Abd.² 1934).

Hence bleesterin', ppl.adj., “used of a day when the wind comes in intermittent bursts” (Bnff.² 1934).Arg.¹ 1932:
It wuz a bleesterin day, but we had tae gang tae the hulls whether or no.

(2) To flicker up.Ork.(D) 1880 Dennison Orcad. Sk. Bk. 131:
Sheu wus sae skair'd, sheu deud no' heest her; An' whin the co'l begood tae bleester, Sheu wus weel bursen wi' blawin'.

2. n. “A passing storm of wind” (Bnff.² 1934). Cf. Bleeter, n.²Bch. 1914 T.S.D.C. I.:
There was a bleester o' win'.fig. Arg.² 1935:
He maks an awfu' bleester aboot it.