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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FALKIRK, n. Also Fa'kirk. The name of a town in Stirlingshire. In combs.: 1. Falkirk bairn, a native of Falkirk: see Bairn; †2. Falkirk raisins, a cant name for green peas; 3. Falkirk Tryst, a famous cattle market held near Falkirk, the largest of its kind in Scotland, discontinued about the beginning of the 20th cent.1. Sc. 1716 R. Wodrow Corresp. (1843) II. 129:
As to our town, I can say nothing of them, but that as they have been, so they will still be, Falkirk Bairns, or worse. [Note] Falkirk bairns die ere they thrive, as the proverb says.2. m.Sc. c.1840 “J. Strathesk” Hawkie (1888) 59:
A large plateful of kail, abounding with vegetables and Falkirk raisins.3. Sc. 1771 Weekly Mag. (19 Sept.) 384:
We hear that there was a very great shew of black cattle, last Tuesday, at Falkirk tryst.Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary xv.:
Mony a time he wad slip in to see me wi' a brace o' wild-deukes in his pouch, when my first gudeman was awa' at the Falkirk tryst.Sc. 1880 W. Nimmo Stirlingshire I. 347:
As to the origin of the Falkirk Trysts, still held here, little definitely is known. Their establishment, however, was beyond doubt subsequent to the Union.Sc. 1950 Scots Mag. (Aug.) 348:
Many a cattle drover passed thence over the Cairn o' Mount on his way to the famous cattle markets of Falkirk, known as the “Falkirk Trysts.”