Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1852
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ERNFERN, n. Also hernfern. A kind of fern, polypody, Polypodium vulgare, "found on high rocks. It might hence seem to have received its designation, these being the abode of the eagle or ern" (Sc. 1808 Jam.); the brake fern, Pteris aquilina (Sc. 1886 B. and H. 170), i.e. eagle-fern (Ib., Add. 533). Bnff. 1852 A. Harper Solitary Hours 62:
Woodbine, an' rawntree, an' rosemary; Wi hern-fern frae the ditches; Emetics dire for deils and witches.
