Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†SMYSTER, v., n. [′sməistər]
I. v. 1. To work in a feeble indolent manner (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 171). Ppl.adj. smysterin, feeble, slow or unskilful at work, stupid (Id.).
2. To sit about in a dreamy way, to smile or talk to oneself in a reverie (Cld. 1882 Jam.).
II. n. The doing of work in a feeble, dreamy or inept way (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 171; Cld. 1882 Jam.); an idle, listless or dreamy state (Cld. 1882 Jam.); one who is addicted to this (Id.).
[Orig. doubtful. Poss. extended meanings of smuisterin, smysterin s.v. Smuist, but there are difficulties in connecting these.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Smyster v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/smyster>
