Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MACKEREL, n. Also mackeral (Lnk. 1903 E.D.D.), mackrel. Sc. Combs. and Phrs.: 1. mackerel-sture, -stor, the tunny, Thunnus thynnus. See Sture, adj.; 2. as clean as a mackerel, completely, effectively, entirely (Ags., Fif. 1962).1. Arg. 1771 T. Pennant Tour 1769 192:
Tunnies, called here Mackrel-Sture, are very frequently caught in the herring season, which they follow to prey on.2. Lnk. 1885 F. Gordon Pyotshaw xvi.:
“Dune as clean as a mackerel!” he roared out.