Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CHICKENWEED, -WORT, -WURT, Chuck(en)wort, n. comb. Chickweed, Stellaria media (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Ags. 1886 B. and H. 101, chickenwort; ne., w.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., chickenweed). The form chuckenwort is given by Cai.⁷ 1939, Mry.¹ 1925, Bnff.² 1939, and by B. and H. 104 for Abd. Gen.Sc. Chicken-weed is also found in Eng. dial. (see E.D.D.).Abd. 1904 W. A. G. Farquhar Fyvie Lintie 129:
I never grudged him, late or ear', A pucklie seed, Fresh water, san', or chuckwort fare; But now he's deid!Ags. 1848 W. Gardiner Flora of Forfarshire 30–31:
Common Chickweed . . . is popularly known in this country by the name of “Chicken-wort,” and is extensively used to vary the food of small birds in cages.Fif. 1875 A. Burgess Book of Nettercaps 15–16:
Kailbledes — Soot — chickenwurt — an' hethir, Fishguts — young Sparrys — or a Blethir.