We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BACKS, n.1 Also bax. The refuse of flax, wool, etc.Ags. 1773 Arbroath T.C. Mins. MS. (2 Sept.): 
Lint Bax & Hemp Bax.Ayr. 1823 C. K. Sharpe Ballad Book 25:
Tell her I will gee her Four punds, and spin a' the Backs mysel'.

[See Backings.]

1363

snd