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.
†EAR, v. To plough. Also Are, q.v. Now obs. or arch. in Eng. Found in n.Eng. dial.Per. 1766 A. Nicol Poems 79:
They need not sow, nor could they ear.Abd. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XV. 117–118:
Services done by the tenants, that ought to be abolished, such as reaping, earing, plowing, harrowing, driving out dung, and bringing home lime and other articles to the landlord gratis.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xlix.:
We live here like prences, wi' oor kailyard for a kingdom. Gin we wunt the rigs, we're free o' the cost an' tribble o' earin' them.
