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.
DENTYLION, n. The dandelion, Taraxacum officinale (Fif.10, Arg.1 1940). Also dentelion (Sc. 1825 Jam.2), dentie-, daintie(Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), dentilium (Bwk. 1853 G. Johnston Botany E. Borders 115), dainty-lion. Also contr. pl. denties (Mry.1 1925). [′dɛntiləiən, ′denti-]Sc. 1759 J. Justice Brit. Gardener's Cal. 81:
Dandelion or Dainty-lion, which many love to eat as a sallad.Lnk. 1893 J. Crawford Sc. Verses 56:
Dentylions an' gowans, a sma' crap o' corn — By way o' variety, twa bunches o' souracks.Ayr. 1826 Galt Lairds xxvi.:
Hides like the skin o' a pouket guse, and hues like — denty lions.
