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.
Quotation dates: 1802-1895
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†GIN, n. Also jin, gyn. [dʒɪn]
1. The bolt or lock of a door (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis, gyn). or window; the latch. Obs. since 16th c. in Eng.Abd. 1828 P. Buchan Ballads I. 160:
Ye'll take my brand I bear in hand, And wi' the same ye'll lift the gin.Knr. 1895 “H. Haliburton” Dunbar 90:
Meikle was the need o' bar an' gin.
2. Hence, the window itself.Sc. a.1803 Erlinton in Child Ballads No. 8. A. iii.:
Willie, her true love, Chappit at the bower-door, no at the gin.s.Sc. 1847 H. S. Riddell Poems 309:
But puir-tith cauld, when 'neath the roof, Dings love out at the jin O.
