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.
†GANDAYS, Gaundays, n.pl. “The designation given to the last fortnight of winter (the two last weeks of January), and the first fortnight of spring” (Sth. 1825 Jam.).
[O.Sc. has gang-dayis, 1530, O.N. gangdagar, O.E. gangdagas, the three Rogation Days before Ascension Day, when processions were made round the bounds of each parish. But there is a discrepancy in the date and the connection is uncertain. Phs. the word simply denotes the days during which winter is going (away).]
