Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GLAISTER, n, v.

I n. A sprinkling, a thin covering, of snow or ice (Kcb., Dmf. 1954). Also †glister (Bwk. 1825 Jam.). [′gle.stər]Slk. 1825 Jam.:
There's a glaister o' ice the day.Sc. c.1850 A. H. Dunlop Anent Old Edb. (1890) 38:
The black semmet cowl cap with which the minister protected his head was in winter covered with a “thin glaister o' sifted snaw.”

Hence glaisterie, adj., 1. sleety; 2. miry (Upp. Cld. 1825 Jam.).1. Slk. Ib.:
A glaisterie day, one on which snow falls and melts.

II v. To glitter, sparkle. Slk. 1823 Hogg Perils of Woman 148: 
To glaister on the hillside like a cauld shower o' sleet.