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.
†BURTHEN, n. A curling term (see quot.). [′bʌrðən]Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 104, s.v. burnt-stanes:
Sometimes when they [curling stones] burn or rub rather roughly, they are said to have got their burthen; that is to say, they have got as much of their motion retarded by one stone, as hinders them to damage any more.
