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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†GATE-FARRIN, adj.comb. Also gett-farrant. Comely (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 61, gett-farrant), presentable, respectable-looking (Bnff.4 1927, gate-, gett-). This word seems to be confined to ne.Sc.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb vi.:
Jinse was a competent servant as well as a “gate-farrin'” damsel.Abd. 1920 M. Argo Makkin' o' John 12:
Ye'll ha'e to luik mair gatefarrin' o' an evenin' gin we get this braw lass fae Glesca. I doot ye'll need to snod yersel' up geyleys.

[Gate, n., 1. (1) + Farrant, formed on the analogy of such combs. as Auld-farrant, fair-farrand (see Fair, III.), etc., lit. suitably equipped or dressed for the road, i.e. for appearing in public.]

Gate-farrin adj. comb.

12501

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