Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BAIRN'S BARGAIN, n.
1. A bargain that can be easily broken.Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
“I mak nae bairn's bargains,” I make no pactions like those of children.Bnff.2 1932:
Na, na, my man, we'll stick t' the price we sattl't on. We're for nae bairn's bargains here.Fif.6 1933:
Still current.
2. “A mutual agreement to overlook, and exercise forbearance as to, all that has passed, especially if of an unpleasant description” (Jam.2 1825 for Fif.).
