Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1838-1863
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BAIRNLINESS, n. Childishness.Sc. 1838 Blackw. Mag. XLIII. 270:
We are willing to run all risks rather than be driven to the bairnliness of supping peas with a spoon.Sc. 1863 A. B. Grosart Small Sins Pref. 9:
Laborious ingenuity (or childishness). Note: perhaps our vernacular “bairnliness” better expresses the thing.
