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.
HABBIE-HORSE, HABBY-, n.comb. Sc. variants of Eng. hobby-horse (m.Lth., Arg. 1956). Also habbie. See P.L.D. § 54.Gsw. 1860 J. Young Poorhouse Lays 207:
Forbye a habby-horse o' chains, An' shooin' dales for younger weans.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxx.:
He retailed a miscellaneous assortment o' nick-nacks, includin' gallows buttons, needles, threed, stringin', dolls, habby-horses.Ags. 1897 G. A. Mackay Where Heather Grows 49:
We'll just think we've pennies, and can ride the habbies and buy sweeties like the rest.Sc. 1935 W. Soutar Poems in Scots 44:
The habbie-horses breenge in a ring Birlin' roun' wi' a wudden fling.
