Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LINN, n.² Also lin.

1. A wooden plank, runner or sleeper, esp. one laid under the keel of a boat on which it can be launched or beached (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Cai. 1902 E.D.D.; I.Sc., Cai. 1961). Used wrongly in 1952 quot. to mean a shore-timber.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (30 June):
“Hae a linn ta set inunder her side, William,” I said as I held up da fower een.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 99:
Aft did dy willin' keel rin doon Ower linns, ta meet da angry sea.Sh. 1952 New Shetlander No. 31. 15:
Knocking away the linns and pushing the boat down the beach.

2. A plank used as a foot-rest or seat in a rowing-boat (I.Sc. 1961).Sh. 1892 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 242:
I maun hae a lin or a ballish stane ta set dem tu afore I can row a straik.Ork. 1951 H. Marwick Orkney 262:
The other seats himself on a “linn” or loose thoft laid across the gunwales near the stern.