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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.

HADDOCK, n.1 Also haddi(c)k; haddag (Cai.); hoddock (Bch. coast 1891 Trans. Bch. Field Club II. 73, Bch. 1956). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. haddock. Cf. Haddie.

1. Combs.: (1) haddi(c)k saands, fishing ground much frequented by haddocks (Sh. 1896 J. Burgess Lowra Biglan 23, 1898 Shet. News (2 April), Sh. 1956)); (2) haddockshot, in phr. gyang tae haddockshot, go to sea and be drowned, i.e. “go to hang” (Abd.13 1910).

2. Fig. Used as a term of contempt for a person. Cf. Haddie, 2.Dmf. 1831 Carlyle First 40 Years (1882) II. 187:
The most insignificant haddock in nature — a dirty, greasy cockney apprentice.

[O.Sc. hadok, from a.1400, haddo(c)k, from c.1470. id.]

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