I. ˈkilt verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English kilten, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish kilte ( op ) to gather up (as a skirt), Swedish dialect kilta ( sej ) to gather up one's skirts, Old Norse kjalta fold made by a gathered skirt, Old Swedish kilta lap, and perhaps to Gothic kilthei womb — more at child
transitive verb
1. now chiefly dialect : to gather up or tuck in (as a skirt) for protection or freedom of action
2. archaic : to truss up : hang
brought the country to order by kilting thieves and banditti with strings — Sir Walter Scott
3. : to equip with a kilt
insists that nominees prove Scottish relationship or extraction, or they don't get kilted — Sat. Eve. Post
intransitive verb
: to move nimbly
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a pleated wraparound skirt usually of tartan reaching from the waist to the knees worn by men and boys in Scotland and especially by Scottish regiments in the British armies
2. : something that resembles a Scottish kilt ; especially : a short plaid skirt for women or girls
III.
chiefly dialect
past of kill