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.
BON-GRACE, n. “A course [sic] [broad-brimmed] straw hat worn by the female peasantry, of their own manufacture” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2). Given in N.E.D. as arch. or obs. and latest example 1719 except for Sc. quot.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xxviii.:
Ower and aboon a', if laughing days were e'er to come . . . ye wad laugh weel to see my round face at the far end of a strae bongrace.Edb. 1773 R. Fergusson Sc. Poems (1925) 79:
Some tak a great delight to place The modest bon-grace o'er the face.Edb. [1825] R. Chambers Trad. of Edb. (1869) 219:
Bongrace. A bonnet of silk and cane.n.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
Bongrace. A coarse straw hat, especially worn by country-women.
