Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BLACK-FISHING, n. “Fishing for salmon, under night, by means of torches” (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Ags. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XII. 294:
The practice of black-fishing is so called, because it is performed in the night time. . . . The blackfishers provided with spears, composed of 5 barbed prongs, fixed upon a strong shaft, wade up and down upon the shallows, preceded by a great torch, or blaze, as it is called, consisting of dried broom, or fir tops, fastened round a pole. By this light the fish are soon discerned, and being then very dull, are easily transfixed.
Hence Black-fishing Court, a court held to try Black-fishers.Sc. 1830 Scott Journal (1890) II. 357:
I am obliged to hold a Black-fishing Court at Selkirk.
