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.
†DEFEND, v. To ward off or avert.n.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
They commonly speak of “defending a stroke.”Mry. 1810 J. Cock Simple Strains 114:
The best o' claith . . . Defended cauld an' cravin' baith.
