Cork Slang, Like A Dictionary of Cork Slang
by Seán Beecher
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Introduction · Acknowledgements
LEDDER

Construct: Verb
Definition: To beat severly (usually with some implement).
Use: I leddered him.
I gave him a severe beating.
Derivation: Possibky Irish 'Leadaráil' - act of lashing. (Dinneen)
or possibly a corruption of 'Leather' - a leather strap used to punish pupils at school.
But note 'Leather' - to beat. This is not derived as might be supposed from the English word leather (tanned skin), but from the Irish in which it is of very old standing: 'Letrad' (modern 'Leadradh') - cutting, hacking, lacerating, also a champion fighter, a warrior, a leatherer. (Corm. Gloss, 9th century). (Joyce)
'Ledder' probably a corruption of a heavy blow. (Wright)
Note 'Leadradh' - striking, tearing, cuttin, dissecting, whipping, destroying. (Dinneen)
and 'Leadradh' - a thrashing and "Leadrah a fháil - to get a leathering". (Ó Domhnaill)
and 'Leather' - to beat, thrash. (Partridge)


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