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.
FURM, n. Also firm. Sc. forms of Eng. form, a bench, wooden seat, etc. (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Ork., Per. 1953, firm, Abd., Fif., Lnk. 1953, furm).Ork. 1700 in A. W. Johnston Church in Ork. (1940) 61:
Upon the eastmost ends off the back furmes of the new loft.Sc. 1734 J. Spottiswood Hope's Practicks 540:
A Bairns Board, with the Furms thereto belonging.Ayr. 1787 Burns Holy Fair xxiii.:
How drink gaed round, in cogs an' caups, Amang the furms an' benches.Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1898) x.:
A furm was set before the session-house fire.Per. 1857 J. Stewart Sketches 50:
Seat him on a firm, Near a whisky kaggie.
