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.

BARN-GRIEVE, n. (See quot.)Ags.¹ c.1890:
In two large farms in my native parish a barn-grieve was always employed. His chief duty was to superintend the women outworkers and boys. He had nothing to do with the horsemen, who were looked after by the grieve proper.