Chiefly Sc. [Obscurely related to SPLIT v. Cf. SPLEET sb. and LG. spleeten (rare).] trans. and intr. To split.

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1585.  Higins, trans. Junius’ Nomencl., 62/2. Piscem exdorsuare,… to spleete out, or part alongest the ridge bone iust in the midst.

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1606.  Shaks., Ant. & Cl., II. vii. 131. Mine owne tongue Spleet’s what it speakes.

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1647.  Hexham, I. To Spleet a fish, een visch splyten.

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1701.  J. Brand, Descr. Orkney, Zetl., etc. ii. (1703), 25. At all times it is highly dangerous … to pass through between the Isles, tho with small Boats, because of the many blind Rocks lying there, upon which sometimes the Inhabitants do spleet.

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c. 1730.  W. Starrat, in Ramsay, Poems (1760), 222. We’ll to the haining drive, When in fresh lizar they get spleet and rive.

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1828.  Moir, Mansie Wauch, xii. Men … holding their sides, laughing like to spleet them.

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1866.  in Edmondston, Gloss. Shetl. & Orkney, 115.

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1900.  Shetl. News, 22 Sept. (E.D.D.). Da auld axe ta spleet da lamb’s head wi’.

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