Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FERRIER, n. Gen.Sc. form of Eng. farrier, a blacksmith, a horse doctor. Now applied to the modern veterinary surgeon (ne.Sc., m.Lth. 1951).Edb. 1739 Edb. Marriage Reg. (S.R.S.) 55:
Elizabeth Bunkele, widow of Andrew Baillie, smith and ferrier.Sc. 1781 Ed. Ev. Courant (10 Feb.):
A Set of that Area lying near the Cowgate-port, as lately possessed by Alexander Gardner, smith and ferrier.Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize I. l.:
My grandfather's father was also a ferrier, and enjoyed a far-spread repute for his skill in the maladies of horses.Gsw. 1868 J. Young Poems 29:
A wad-be ferrier, feckless coof, In shoein' me ance prick'd my hoof.Abd. 1887 Bon-Accord (8 Oct.) 9:
Veterinary Surgeon — “That's a good horse ye've got.” Mains — “Ay, Ferrier, bit it wis a gweed lang price.”Hdg. 1889 J. Lumsden Lays Linton 85:
Small farmers, grieves, ploughmen, shepherds, cattlemen, drainers (Scotch), odd and orra men of all sorts, mechanics, ferriers, bakers, and brewers.Abd. 1917 C. Murray Sough o' War 37:
Syne [I've to] cry upo' the banker's wife an' leave some settin' eggs, An' tell the ferrier o' the quake that's vrang aboot the legs.
