Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†AUSTERN, ASTREN, AUSTRAN, Owsteran, adj. [′ʌustɔrən Wgt.]
1. Of severe appearance; having an austere look.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 34:
Austran Carle — An old man of an austere manner. [In Wigtownshire it is called owsteran (Curriehill, d. 1868).]†nw.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 44:
He look't austern.
2. “Having a frightful or ghastly appearance. — Astren is often applied to the look of a dying person” (Jam.2 1825 for Slk.).
3. Comb.: Austern-looking = austern.Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
Whow! but he's an austern-looking fellow.
