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 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.

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