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.
DEFECTION, n. A defect, a flaw: a failure. Obs. in Eng. since 17th cent. Known to Ags.17 1940.Ags. 1706 Mare of Collingtoun in J. Watson Choice Collection (1869) i. 65:
Whilst all and haill my last Direction Be done and ended but Defection.Wgt. 1885 G. Fraser Poems 220:
It's made o' brass wi' nae defection.