E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Answer more Scotico (To).
To divert the direct question by starting another question or subject.
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“‘Hark you, sirrah,’ said the doctor, ‘I trust you remember you are owing to the laird 4 stone of barleymeal and a bow of oats… . .”
“‘I was thinking,’ replied the man more Scotico, that is, returning no direct answer on the subject on which he was addressed, ‘I was thinking my best way would be to come down to your honour, and take your advice, in case my trouble should come back.’”—Sir Walter Scott: The Abbot, ch. xxvi.
