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.
BURTH, n.2 “The distance between fishing boats when setting lines” (Mry.1 1914, Ags.9 1927). Cai.7 1937 gives the form birth.
[May be of the same origin as Burth,n.1, but cf. Eng. berth, older birth, sea-room for a ship riding at anchor (N.E.D.).]
