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.
ESP, n. The aspen tree, Populus tremula (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Rxb.4 1944). In Uls. this tree is known as the quakin' esp (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn.). Also found in n.Eng. dial. Fig. in dim. †esplin, a young man, a stripling (Mearns 1825 Jam.2).
[O.Sc. esp, 1578, O.E. œsp, id.]
