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.
†DOON, n.2
1. The goal or home in a game (Gall., Dmf. 1825 Jam.2).Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 178:
It is only when they leave these places of refuge that those out of the doons have any chance to gain the game, and get in, and leave the doons they frequently must.Gall. 1885 E. J. Guthrie Old Sc. Customs 159:
Two of the swiftest of them [Galloway youths] are placed between two doons or places of safety.Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 87:
. . . some Though not less dexterous, on the paddered green Frae doon to doon shoot forth the penny-stane.
2. “Applied, in a more general sense, to the place used for play; as, the Barley Doons, the place for playing at Barley-break” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2).
[The same word as Dun, n., with senseinfluence from Dool, n.2]
