Sc. local. [f. TOOT v.1 + NET.] ‘A large fishing net anchored’ (Jam.), which is watched in order to be drawn in when the fish enter it. More fully toot and haul net.
1805. Case Ho. Lords, Gray of Carse (Jam.). The fishing-tackle … sometimes consisted of a common moveable net or siene; sometimes of a toot-net, much larger and stronger than the former, extending to an indefinite length from the beach into the water, and secured at its extremity by an anchor.
1840. Leighton, Hist. Fife, II. 82. The mode of fishing is now confined … to what is called the toot-net.
1898. Glasgow Herald, 19 May, 4. To fish in … the river and estuary of the Tay for salmon kind with toot and haul nets.
1900. Law Rep., App. Cas., 410. The First Division … declared fishing with the nets of the description of toot and haul … an illegal method.
So Tootman, tootsman, one who watches a toot-net.
1805. Case Ho. Lords, Gray of Carse (E.D.D.). A man stands in a coble, or small fishing-boat; and when he sees the fish enter the net, calls the fishers to haul it. He is designed the Tootsman.
1840. Leighton, Hist. Fife, II. 82. The toot-man is seated to watch the net.
