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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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‡RAITH, n. Also reath, reth (Abd. 1872 J. G. Michie Deeside Tales 107); rett; erron. wraith (Abd. 1902 J. Ogilvie J. Ogilvie 22).

1. A quarter of a year, a period of three months (Bnff., Abd. 1967).Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 12:
And fu soon as the jimp three raiths was gane, The daintiest littleane bonny Jean fuish hame.Edb. 1773 Fergusson Poems (S.T.S.) II. 129:
You needna grudge to draw your breath For little mair than haf a reath.Abd. 1802 Earl of Errol in Child Ballads (1892) IV. 285:
Ye tak this well-fared may, And keep her three roun raiths o a year, An even at the three raiths' end I sall draw near.Cai. 1842 J. T. Calder Sketches 227:
There was a particular time for visiting it [a holy loch], viz., the first Monday of the "reath," or quarter.Fif. c.1850 R. Peattie MS.:
She's awa' takkin' a raith at the saut watter.ne.Sc. 1881 W. Gregor Folk-Lore 151:
The wind was said to blow during the quarter — the "raith" — in that direction in which it blew during the first day of the quarter.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (14 May):
Der dat muckle ta dü an' tuik aboot at dis rett o' da year.Abd. 1927 E. S. Rae Hansel fae Hame 56:
I [cat] had a bield, a lilac tree . . . An' there I crouched five raith an' mair.

2. Specif.: a term at school, a three-monthly period of full-time education.ne.Sc. 1826 Aberdeen Censor 101:
I then, in a loud country voice, told them of my intention, if possible, to gain a "gude buss," for the attainment of which I was to take a "raith's schuling" with them.Fif. c.1850 R. Peattie MS.:
He taen a raith at schule noos an 'ans.Abd. 1867 Mrs. Allardyce Goodwife xii.:
We leet the damishell awa To get a raith o' lair.Abd. 1950 A. Keith Autobiog. 58:
I should have a wraith in Aberdeen [University].