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.
†BEAR-TREE, Beir-tree, n. (See second quot.)Sc. 1708 M. Bruce Lectures and Sermons, etc. 50:
Some say, if they were in prison two or three days, they would be to carry out on their Bear-trees.Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
Bear-tree, Beir-tree. Perhaps, a spoke used for carrying the dead to the place of interment. Beir-tree, however, signifies the bier itself, Aberd.
