Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1828-1890
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BURNOCK, n.
1. n. A type of curling stone; "still in common use among curlers and almost black in colour when polished" (Ayr. 1937 (per Ayr.8)). Ayr. 1828 J. Dunlop Descr. and Hist. Sk. Curling 51:
Those [curling stones] most extensively used in the West of Scotland are called Burnocks.Ayr. 1884 J. Taylor Curling 360:
"Burnocks," got out of the Burnock water, in Ochiltree, Ayrshire, have long held a high place in curlers' esteem. They are a beautiful mixed grey, and are durable and keen.
2. prop.n. The name of a tributary of the Lugar Water in Ayr. from which curling stones are obtained. Hence Burnock (water), (stane) (see quots.). Sc. 1874 Channel-Stane (1883) I. 22:
"Burnocks", got out of the Burnock water in Ochiltree, Ayrshire, have long held a high place in curlers' esteem.Sc. 1890 J. Kerr Hist. Curling 380:
Burnocks, Crawfordjohns, and Blantyres are neither too keen on keen ice nor too dull on dull ice.
