Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COBBS, n.pl. “Young herrings” (Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn.). Also found in Nrf. dial. (E.D.D.). [kɔbz]
[N.E.D. says: “The sense ‘young herring' given in mod.Dicts. is perhaps a misinterpretation of cob, the head of a (red) herring.” See etym. note to Cob, n.3]
