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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.

BIRSIN', BIRS'N, ppl.adj. Out of breath. [′bɪ̢̈rsɪn]Abd.4 1931:
Whaslin like a birs'n cock.

Comb.: birsin' skin, over exertion.Abd. 1912–1919 Buchan Proverbs in Rym. Club Misc. II. 182:
If ye dee o' a birsin' skin, I wadna like to be the driver.

[For Bursen, pa.p. of burst, with loss of t as in Cassen, q.v.]

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