rigwoodie

English

Alternative forms

• rigwiddie
• rigwiddy

Noun

rigwoodie (plural rigwoodies)

1. (obsolete, Scotland) rope, chain, or band that crosses the saddle of a horse to support the attachment of a cart.
   • 1808, Reports on Highways, page 95:

     But even this will not answer, as both the outside Horses must have distinct rigwoodies, and would seldom or never, have equal weight upon their backs.

   • 1854, John Sproule, The Irish Industrial Exhibition of 1853: A Detailed Catalogue of Its Contents, page 307:

     ...polished Scotch cart rigwoodie, with shaft rings, draught chains, &c,

   • 1887, The Scottish Law Review and Sheriff Court Reports:

     According to his statement, the accident was due to the rigwoodie getting loose while he was going downhill, in consequence of which the cart came upon the horse's hindquarters, and so startled it as to cause it to bolt.

Adjective

rigwoodie (comparative more rigwoodie, superlative most rigwoodie)

1. (obsolete, Scotland) Fit for the gallows.
   • 1790, Robert Burns, Tam O'Shanter:

     But wither'd beldams, auld and droll, Rigwoodie hags wad spean a foal, Lowping an flinging on a crummock, I wonder didna turn thy stomach

   • 1827, Christian Isobel Johnstone, Elizabeth de Bruce, by the author of Clan-Albin, page 94:

     As for the ither auld rigwoodie f'adge, her heart is as boss as a bourtrce bush.

   • 1875, Ancient Ballads and Songs of the North of Scotland:

     What fee will ye gie me, ye rigwoodie carlin ?

   • 2011, Sebothoma William, Disclosed Verses, →ISBN, page 37:

     I seem to be less vauntie of mineself To fork out they partnership of yourself and mineself Thy partnership which was so rigwoodie Thy partnership which soon leaked out To cause a sudden blow to our bond.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:hangworthy