Ithand

Alternative forms

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

Origin

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

Full definition of ithand

Adjective

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

Derived terms

• ithandly