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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PAITER, v.¹, n. Also p(a)itter, pater (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. patter. [′petər]

I. v. 1. intr. (1) To talk in a persistent, monotonous way, to chatter on endlessly, indulge in a monologue, mutter on (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.). Ppl.adj. paterin, garrulous.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xv.:
John M'Briar, the auld paterin' sinner.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (1 May) 459:
Tak this bairn out o' my way this minute. It's been whinnin' an' pitterin' this 'oor or mair.Per. 1895 R. Ford Tayside Songs 269:
My mither paiters loud an' sair, Misca's men-fouk like a' that.

(2) To speak in an undertone, whisper, carry on a low-voiced conversation (Abd. 1825 Jam., patter).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He paterd intill him, he whispered something in his ear.

II. n. 1. A sound, a whisper, the slightest noise or hint of speech, a syllable, word.Sc. 1824 Blackwood's Mag. (March) 297:
For the life that's in your bouk dinna let a pater about it escape frae atween your lips.

2. Prattle, chatter; affected speech (Peb. 1965).Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xii.:
They've an awfu' gift o' speech, they Englishers! Hoosumever, his paiters cam to an end belyve.

3. A loquacious, talkative person, usu. applied to a woman, a gossip, chatter-box (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.).