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.
CHESTER, —BARLEY, —BEAR, n.3 “The name commonly given, in Angus and Perths., to big [q.v.]; as distinguishing it from Barley-bear, which denotes what is in England strictly called Barley” (Ags., Per. 1825 Jam.2, chester bear); “a coarse kind of barley with four rows on each head” (E.D.D.); but see also quots. Known to Ags.17 1939.Ags. 1813 J. Headrick Gen. View Agric. Angus 302–303:
Bear, or bigg, is here commonly distinguished by the name of Chester, and is the most ancient species which was cultivated in this county. . . . The Chester has six rows of grains in the ear. . . . The barley has only two rows of grains in the ear.Per. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIX. 350:
That [barley] which has more rows in the head than two, is called Chester Barley.
