Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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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.

ESSART, adj. Stubborn, perverse, dour (Edb., Ayr. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.; Kcb. 1950 (per Fif.¹⁷)). Also essert.Sc.(E) 1879 P. H. Waddell Isaiah xxix. 16:
Ye essart crew! an the shairder be taen for the clay wi' you? and the wark that's made say, Ye madena me, till its makar?Wgt. 1880 G. Fraser Lowland Lore 159:
As essart as Ned Boags.Ayr. a.1913 W. Kissock in Carrick Anthol. (ed. Finlayson 1925) 335:
For he's a thowless coof in drink, An' essert as a soo.Ayr.⁹ 1949:
Doctor visiting a Maybole patient gave instructions to the wife who, wondering if they would be followed, said, “For he's an essart aul deevil.”