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.
DIAMOND COAL, n. comb. (See quot.); “still seen in coal-merchants' advertisements” (Slg.3 1940).Edb. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 I. 559:
The fifth is the diamond coal, which lies about thirty yards below the bed of the preceding [beefy coal], and about 4½ in thickness where it occurs.
