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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.

BIRSE'T-EN.' n. End of shoemakers' thread or lingle.Abd.(D) 1875 W. Alexander Life Among my Ain Folk, Couper Sandy (1882) viii.:
To tak' yer fader awa' fae his birse't-en's an's lapstane, . . . wud be to kill his comfort.

[Birset, ppl.adj., from Birse, v.1, to put on a bristle + end.]

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