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.
†DECAY, n. A decline; used specifically of consumption. This use has been obs. in Eng. since middle 18th cent.Sc. 1701 J. Brand Descr. Orkney, Zetland, etc. 62:
They have a charm also whereby they try if persons be in a decay or not, and if they will die thereof.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xviii.:
Her son that she had left at hame weak of a decay.Ayr. 1821 Galt Ann. Parish xviii.:
He fell into a decay, and died in the winter.
