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.
†DEFENN, n. “Dirt” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 37).
[Origin uncertain: phs. a misunderstanding of the fen, cf. O.Sc. fen, filth, from 1470.]