Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CORD, n. Sc. uses of Eng. cord, a thin rope or string.
1. One of the ropes by which a coffin is lowered into the grave. Gen.Sc.Abd.19 1937:
This week I was asked: “You'll take a cord?”
2. In pl.: “inflammation in calves' intestines” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Known to Lnk.3 1937. Cf. Strings.Rnf. 1803 Farmer's Mag. (Aug.) 296:
Young calves seized with the disorder called cords.