dial. [Origin uncertain: perh. two different words.
In sense 1 tint may be a variant of tent dial., lit. ‘trial,’ f. L. tentare to try. It is also possible that tint in sense 2, quot. 1886, has the same origin (quasi ‘not a taste, not a trace’); but it is very doubtful whether this origin can be assumed for quot. a. 1225.]
1. ? A trial, taste, touch; a foretaste; a trace, indication (of anything). Sc.
1768. Ross, Helenore, III. 122. Great search for her was made, baith far an’ near, But tint nor tryal never cud appear.
1878. W. Thom, in Whistle Binkie (1890), II. 44. The half-ta’en kiss … Is, heaven kens, fu’ sweet amen’s, An’ tints o’ heaven here.
1887. Suppl. to Jamieson, Tint, proof, evidence, indication; forecast, foretaste; ‘The beast’s awa, and ye’ll ne’er get tint or wittins o’t.’
2. After negative: (Not) a bit, particle, atom.
[a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 1254. Þæt nefde hare nan tunge to tauelin a tint wið.]
1886. Rosa Mulholland, Marcella Grace, xii. We haven’t had a tint o’ milk these three days.
