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.
DON, n.2 A name given by those residing on the mainland of Orkney to the inhabitants of the surrounding islands.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. (1922) 32:
The Dons were supposed descendants of sailors who escaped from the wrecks of the Spanish Armada, and who settled down in Westray.
