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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.

HABEN, HABBEN, n. A gipsy cant word for bread (Rxb. a.1861 in J. Baird Memoirs, Per., Arg. 1906 A. McCormick Tinkler Gypsies App. x., habben; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), hence corn (Watson) or food (Rxb. 1950 Scots Mag. (Feb.) 336).Rxb. c.1920 per Dmb.2:
Mas an' haben, Meat and bread.Per. 1921 J. H. Findlater Green Grass Widow 12:
Here's some habben for ye, pit it intil yer pooch man.

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