Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1825
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BLAIR, n.1, v.
1. n. (See quot.)Ags. 1825 Jam.2:
Blair, the name given to that part of flax which is . . . used in manufacture . . . after it has been steeped, taken from the pit, and laid out to dry.
2. v. Applied to flax: to dry by exposure to drought.Ags. 1825 Jam.2:
When the flax is spread out for being dried, after it has been steeped, it is said that it is laid out to blair.
Hence blairin, vbl.n.Ags. 1825 Jam.2:
The ground appropriated to this purpose [the drying of flax] is called the blairin.
