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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

E'ENSHANKS, n. An afternoon or early evening meal (s.Sc. 1887 Jam.6). Cf. Antrum and Fowerhoors, id. [′inʃɑŋks]Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 232:
Your minnie burdies ye maun lae, Ten to my nocket I maun hae, Ten to my e'enshanks. . . .
Ib. 193:
E'enshanks . . . was that food our ancestors took about five o'clock in the evening, now designated by the title of four-hours.

[From E'en, evening + *shank, after Du., L.Ger. schenken, to pour out; cf. Mid.Eng. shench, O.E. scęnc, a draught, scęncan, to give to drink, and the last syllable of nuncheon, Mid.Eng. none schench, lunch.]

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