Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FLAM, v.³, n.⁵

I. v. To broaden out towards the top, of a ship's bow (wm.Sc.¹ 1952).wm.Sc. 1872 A. T. R. Memoir J. H. Ritchie 9:
A pointed stone, broader at the top, not only let the water swiftly past but prevented its overflow; and availing of this Mr Charles Wood thenceforth adopted the prolonged, sharp flamming bow, so long known, and perhaps still known on the Clyde, as “the Wood's bow.”

II. n. The form of a ship's bows so constructed (wm.Sc.¹ 1952).