Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CLEVERS, n. pl.1 In phr. a fit of the clevers, a burst of energy, a sudden desire for activity or work.Sc. 1824 Scott in J. G. Lockhart Life of Scott (1837) V. xii.:
Taking a fit of what waiting-maids call the clevers, I started at six this morning.Sc. 1826 Scott Journal (1890) I. 239:
14 Aug.: I was seized by a fit of the “clevers,” and finished my task by twelve o'clock.
