Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡CAS CROM, Caschrom, n. “A crook-handled spade used by Highlanders, a kind of foot plough” (Sc. 1887 Jam.6, Cai.7 1938; Lewis, Skye 1938 (per Ags.17)). Cf. cashcrome s.v. Cashach. [′kɑʃkrom]Sc. 1927 R. B. Cunninghame Graham Redeemed, etc. 175:
Reared as they [Skyemen] were with one foot in the past, one hand on the “Caschrom,” the other on the handle of some up-to-date reaping machine from Birmingham.Hebr. 1933 The Times (11 April) 13:
The primitive wooden hand-plough known as the Cas Crom was at one time in general use all over the Highlands of Scotland, but it is now scarcely ever seen except in Skye and the Outer Hebrides.Highl. 1985 Eric Richards and Monica Clough Cromartie: Highland Life 1650-1914 313:
They still used the caschrom to cultivate their soil and if they were to live exclusively by the produce of their crofts they would need at least ten acres of arable land each and the use of horses without any augmentation of the rent.
