Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BARMSKIN(N), Barminskin(n), n. A tanned sheepskin used by fishermen at sea as a covering for the breast or the knees. [′bɑrm′skɪn]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Shet. Folk-Lore 133:
Two of the crew, preparing to haul . . . dress themselves in their . . . barm skins.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Barmskinn, “breast-skin,” tanned sheepskin, used by fishermen at sea as a breast protector while working with the long-lines. Also in the form barminskinn. Instead of a tanned sheepskin a piece of oil-silk is now commonly used, the old name being, however, retained.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Barminskin. A tanned sheepskin for spreading over the knees when fishing with a handline.