We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

GROICHAN, n. Used of anything very small, such as the last-born of a litter, a coin of small value, etc. Also used derogatorily of persons = petty by nature.Rs. 1944 C. M. Maclean Farewell Tharrus 57:
“You can have the Groichan for as long as he's there,” he replied shortly. “Why is he so wee?” “Because he's the last of the litter.”

[A mistake for or corruption of droichan s.v. Droich.]

13570

snd