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.
†BUNE, Boon, Been, n. The dry woody part of the stalk of flax or hemp, as distinct from the fibre. Also found in Eng. dial. (E.D.D.). Jam. gives the form been for Mry. [bun, bøn, bin]Ags. 1808 Jam., bune, boon:
When flax has not been steeped long enough, so that the blair, which constitutes the useful part of the plant, does not separate easily from the core, it is said, The blair disna clear the bune.
