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.
FASS, n. A knot, bunch; “a truss of straw or rushes” (Cai. 1900 E.D.D.). Dim. fassag, “a hassock, usually made of straw, used either as a footstool, or, when broad and thin, for the backs of horses” (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 71).
[Of doubtful etym. Fassag may be a Cai. form of Fussoch, q.v., and fass a back formation from it. The word is prob. originally imit. Cf. Eng. fuzz.]
