Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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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.
BARK, n.3 (See quots.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Bark, tormentil, esp. the root of the plant, which formerly was commonly used in tanning of skins and hides (for sea-clothes and boots). [Known also to Sh.4]Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Bark, tormentil (Potentilla erecta). Generally called hill-bark. It used to be highly esteemed for its roots, which were employed in the “barking” or tanning of nets, etc., before the days of cutch bark. M. Spence says that the roots were scraped and boiled in milk and the liquid used as a cure for diarrhœa.
Comb. barklaav, the flower of the tormentil used in making an infusion for medicinal purposes (Sh. 1958). See Laav, n.
