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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CROSS-FIT, n. comb. Pl. -fits, -feet. The starfish, Asterias vulgaris (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 33, Abd.27 1947; Ags. 1927 (per Ags.1). Cf. Krossick.ne.Sc. 1788 Aberdeen Mag. 430:
The star-fish (what they call the cross-feet), who form one of the greatest grievances they labour under along the whole coast, devouring their bait in such an extraordinary manner.
Abd. 1996 Sheena Blackhall Wittgenstein's Web 89:
She didna sweem well, Miss De Magistris, aa lab-sidit, wi ill-setten swypin strokes. Aneth her, fur yairds an yairds, fush reenged the sea; cross-fits an ink-fush dauchled, sea-paps gappit their moos. Noo Zeffirino's een fand sea-rigs tae fair dumfouner him.

[Cross + Fit, foot; cf. corsfit, id., s.v. Corse, n.]

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