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.
‡GAIN, n. A perquisite, an allowance in kind in addition to cash wages (Lth. 1926 Wilson Cent. Scot. 244).Sc. 1730 H. G. Graham Soc. Life Scot. (1899) I. 183:
The best ploughman living with the farmer had 35s. a year, with a few “gains” or “bounties.”Bwk. 1900 A. T. G. Border Reminisc. ix.:
The home-cured bacon, or the pork from the boat, had its place now supplied with the best steak from the flesher's cart. The meal received in gains is sold to those who are old-fashioned enough to breakfast on “halesome parritch, chief o' Scotia's food.”
