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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BISHOP'S FOOT, n.comb. (See first quot.)Sc. 1711 J. Kirkwood Hist. 27 Gods Lnl. 29:
The Meat that was a preparing for Dinner (no question overboil'd, and the Bishop's Foot, as we say in Scotland, at the Bottom of the Pot).
Sc. 1808 Jam.:
It is said the Bishop's foot has been in the broth, when they are singed. [Also said of milk, porridge, etc.]
Sc. 1842 C. North Recreations (1857) II. 182:
The good old man . . . detected the Bishop's foot in the first course, and died of a broken heart!

[According to Tyndale Obedience Christen Man (1528) the phrase arose “because the byshoppes burn who they lust and whosoever displeaseth them” (quot. by Jam.). Found also in Eng. dial.]

Bishop's Foot n. comb.

3058

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