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.
Quotation dates: 1774, 1882
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FORE-BIT, n., ppl.adj.
I. n. A wide notched piece taken out of the upper or front side of a sheep's ear, as a mark of ownership (Sc. 1901 E. Dwelly Gaelic Dict. s.v. comharradh). Sc. 1882 Trans. Highl. Soc. 140:
According to the system of ear-marking, these old ewes are at once detected by having a "forebit" in the far ear.
II. ppl.adj. Of a sheep, having such a mark.Peb. 1774 J. Maclaurin Crim. Cases 558:
The ewe . . . was tapped in the far-lug, and fore-bit to the stump of that lug.
