Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1721, 1846, 1928
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FORENAIL, v. Gen. in ppl.adj. forenailt, -ed, of money, spent or earmarked for spending before it is earned, owing in advance (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 224; ne.Sc. 1953).Sc. 1721 Memorial for Merchant Burgesses Edb. (15 Nov.) Broadsheet:
The public Revenues of the Town . . . sunk and irretrievably forenailed.Sc. 1846 C. Johnstone Edb. Tales II. 208:
Short outcome frae the half-pay, Miss; and, it may be, that same forenailed.Abd. 1928 Abd. Press and Jnl. (8 Nov.):
As ye say it's aye a' forenailt an' we maun pairt wi't finever we get it.
