Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FOX-FIT, n. comb.
1. A species of crowfoot, Ranunculus repens (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; m.Lth.1, Bwk. 1953).
2. The fir club-moss, Lycopodium selago or clavatum (Watson). Also in Cum. dial. as fox-feet.Slk. 1807 Hogg Shepherd's Guide 115:
That well-known, hardy herb, that spreads close to the ground, in long tufted branches, and is called by the country people the fox foot.
3. In form fox's-foot, cock's foot grass, Dactylis glomerata (Bwk. 1843 G. Johnston Botany E. Borders 216).
[Fox + Fit, n.1, from its resemblance.]