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.
CROSSIE-CROON SHILLIN', CROSST SHILLING, n. comb. A coin of uncertain denomination, but see etym. note for possible explanation of the term. Hist.ne.Sc. 1881 Gregor Folk-Lore 42:
Go to a ford, where the dead and the living cross, draw water from it, pour it into a “cog” with three “girds” over a “crosst shilling,” and then sprinkle the water over the victim of the “ill ee” in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 221:
Crossie-croon shillin', a coin, over which cows were first milked after having calved, to protect them from the evil eye and every evil cantrip. Perhaps the silver crown, or the twenty shillings, or ten shillings Scottish piece coined in 1565, and having the marks XXX., XX. and called Cruikston dollars.
