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.
FOREWIN, n. Also -wind. In hand-reaping: the first strip of the rig to be cut. “This was done by the most experienced hand, as being best able to keep ahead of the other reapers who started on the other wins.
Hence the worker who leads or sets the pace in any farming operation” (Arg.1 1931; Arg.3 1953).Per. 1879 P. R. Drummond Bygone Days 249:
Kippen took the forewind, treating with contempt the idea of being passed.
