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.
BOTTOM-ROOM, n. A seat for one in a church pew; as much room as a person requires when seated. Gen.Sc.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
When one's right to a single seat is expressed; it is said that one “has a bottom-room in this or that pew.”Ags. 1819 Montrose Chron. (3 Dec.) 18/3:
That Seat or Pew in the Area of said Church No. 78, containing 7 Seats or bottom rooms.Edb. 1894 P. H. Hunter J. Inwick i.:
But the maist feck juist sat canny, whaur their forbears had sat afore them, an' whaur they had naethin to pay for bottom-room.Ayr. 1822 Galt Provost xvi.:
Upon an understanding, that we were to be paid eighteenpence a bottom-room per annum.
