Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†DROVE-SAIL, n. comb. (See quot)Sh. 1774 G. Low Tour (1879) 72:
To hinder the too rapid motion of the vessel, which would hinder their lines from taking the bottom, each [dogger] has what they call a drove-sail, or one which hangs under water, and effectually stops her way, and they can then pursue their business at leisure.
