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.
BUTTONS, n.pl. A boys' game, somewhat similar to marbles, but played with buttons which had distinctive names and values (Abd. 1903 Abd. Wkly. Free Press (23 May)). Known to Bnff.2 1937. [bʌtnz]Abd. 1851 W. Anderson Rhymes, etc. 183:
While down Renny's Wynnie we chased the bit queanies, Or gambled at buttons or bools at the Brig.