Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FIRSTEN, adj. Also firstan, firstin. First. Only in ballads.Sc. a.1783 Child Waters in Child Ballads No. 63 B 7:
But the firstin stap the lady stappit, The water cam til her knee.n.Sc. 1828 P. Buchan Ballads II. 40:
The first an' [sic] weed that he drew on, Was o' the linen clear.n.Sc. 1876 W. Christie Trad. Ballad Airs I. 144:
The firsten town that they came to He bought her hose and sheen.
