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.
Quotation dates: 1879-1949
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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."
