A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Sardonien, adj. (e.m.E. Sardonian (1586), f. L. sardonius (of laughter, etc.) sardonic, also Sardinian, f. Gk.: a ‘Sardinian plant’ (L. herba Sardonia) ‘was said to produce facial convulsions resembling horrible laughter, usually followed by death’ (OED).) —1581-1623 James VI Poems I 129/149.
Sardonien parcell sennoune drauer