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.
†BORROWED SHILLING, n. (See quot.)Edb. c.1830 Newhaven Funerals in Olden Times in Edb. and Leith Observer (8 March 1930):
Then followed at the house of the deceased what was known as “the Dredgie” or “Borrowed Shilling.” Oatcakes, shortbread, spirits and gin were served, and every married woman was expected to attend and contribute a shilling to help the widow or widower as the case might be. The men also . . . in some other house . . . put a shilling into a dish that lay on the table.
