Scottish and Northern English dialect: to fondle, caress, or pet an animal or person affectionately.
From Middle English and Old Norse origins. Related to Old English 'dēagol' or similar roots meaning to handle gently. Preserved in Scottish English.
While 'daut' nearly vanished from English, it perfectly captures what English lacks—there's no common single word for the specific action of tenderly petting something, yet Scottish speakers had it all along!
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