ithand

English

Alternative forms

• ident, ydant, iden, ydan
• eident, idand, ydand (Scotland)

Etymology

From Middle English ithand, an alteration (due to assimilation to suffix -and) of Middle English ithen (“diligent”), from Old Norse iðinn (“assiduous, diligent”), from iðja, iðna (“to do, perform”), from ið (“a restless motion”). Cognate with Icelandic iðinn (“diligent”), Norwegian idig (“busy”), Danish idelig (“continual”), and perhaps to English eddy.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈaɪðənd/

Adjective

ithand (comparative more ithand, superlative most ithand)

1. (obsolete, Northern England, Scotland) Industrious; assiduous; continually busy; diligent.
2. (obsolete, Northern England, Scotland) Plodding; constant; continual.
3. (obsolete, Northern England, Scotland, of mental or moral qualities) Conscientious; considerate; watchful; careful; attentive.
4. (obsolete, Northern England, Scotland, usually of weather) Continuous; persistent.

Derived terms

• ithandly