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.
FEBRUAR, n. Also Feberwar(r)(y), -weer. Sc. forms of Eng. February. [Sc. ′fɛbruər obsol., -ruir obs., but Sh., ne., em.Sc., Ayr. ′fɛbərwər(e), Gall. -wir]Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 52:
All the Months in the Year Causes a fair Februar.Rnf. a.1810 R. Tannahill Poems (1900) 159:
Thou cauld gloomy Feberwar, Oh gin thou wert awa.Mry. 1852 A. Christie Mountain Strains 18:
Cauld Februar, that tarlach tyke, Wi' black or white aye fills the dyke.ne.Sc. 1881 W. Gregor Folk-Lore 149:
Feberwarry sud fill the dyke Wi' black or fite.Ags. 1897 G. A. Mackay Where Heather Grows 156:
The glen [was] blocked frae Mertinmas to Feberwar.Gall. 1897 in M. M. Banks Cal. Customs (1939) II. 144:
If Feberweer be fair and clear. There'll be twa winters in the year.
