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.
Sarrabossa. A ‘word’ in a sailor's shanty sung while weighing anchor. The meaning of the whole is uncertain, but the first element may be F. serrer (Sarris v., pres.) to hold tightly, tighten, make fast. For further discussion see Pourbossa, and the references given there. —1549 Compl. 40/24.
Ane marynel cryit and al the laif follouit in that sam tune, ‘caupon caupona … sarrabossa, sarrabossa', than thai maid fast the schank of the ankyr
