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.
BLAIN, n.1 Given as obsol. for Rxb. by Watson W.-B. (1923).
1. lit. “A scar, a sore; mark left on the skin by a sore or wound” (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Bnff.2, Abd.2, Abd.22 1934).Ayr. 1790 A. Tait Poems and Songs 199:
Got skilly fouk to look the blains If he wad fever.Ayr. 1826 Galt Last of the Lairds 30:
I was persecuted like a martyr — the blains o' Dominie Skelp's tawse ye may yet discern by an inspection.
2. fig. A fault, a blemish.Sc.(E) 1871 P. H. Waddell Psalms xix. 12:
Quhyt ye me frae benmaist blains. [Cleanse thou me from secret faults. A.V.]
