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.
CLOD, v.3 “To dart up and down in flying; spoken of crows when they fly straight up, and then dart suddenly down. Such a mode of flight is regarded as an indication of an approaching breeze” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 26). This behaviour is due to the fact that the birds get into an air-pocket and are borne downwards suddenly. The presence of the air-pockets betokens an approaching breeze. Vbl.n. cloddan. Not known to our correspondents.Ib.:
A kent ther wiz something comin', fae the cloddan it the craws keepit a' the mornin'.
