Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†DISTANCE, n. and v. Also distan, desstance.
1. n.
(1) Difference, distinction (Abd. 1825 Jam.2).
(2) Quarrelling, discord, mischief. Obs in Eng. (2)Ork. 1973 Orcadian (8 July):
Thoo're workan desstance-You're getting into mischief.
2. v. To distinguish (Ib.).Sc. 1827 G. R. Kinloch Ancient Sc. Ballads 205:
For an I war dead, and ye war dead And baith in ae grave laid, O . . . Wha could distan your mouls frae mine, O?Sc.(E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ iii. 174:
They . . . can hardlies be distan'd cept be a spiritual an' innartlie lichten'd man.
