sb. Sc. [Etymology unknown.] Head, noddle. Hence perhaps Capernoity a., Capernoited a., ‘crabbed, irritable, peevish’ (Jam.); slightly affected in the head by drinking, muddle-headed, wrong-headed; also Capernoitedness.
1719. W. Hamilton, Ep., ii. in Ramsay’s Wks. I thought I shou’d turn capernoited.
1769. Herd, Sc. Songs, II. 23. She is … Sae capornoytie, and sae bonny.
1819. St. Patrick, III. 42 (Jam.). His capernoitie’s no oure the bizzin’ yet wi’ the sight of the Loch fairies.
1824. Scott, Redgauntlet, ch. ii. Capernoited maggots and nonsense.
1832–53. Whistle-Binkie (Sc. Songs), Ser. II. Of the stark aquavitæ they baith lo’ed a drappie, And when capernutie then aye unco happy.
