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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.

BAR, n.3 and v.1

1. n. The part of the flail which strikes the corn. Then used for the whole instrument.w. and s.Sc. 1887 Jam.6:
Bar, a flail: properly, the swing or movable portion of the flail.

2. v. Derived from the noun, meaning to strike with a flail, hence to thrash.Sc. 1887 Jam.6:
“It's no ilka ane can bar,” every one can't swing a flail properly.
Ib.:
“I'm thinkin' to bar some bear the morn,” I intend to thrash some barley to-morrow.

[E.Mid.Eng. barre, O.Fr. barre, late Lat. barra. Of unknown origin. See also. Barman.]

1797

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