Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HARBIN, n. An Ork. name for a coal-fish, Pollachius virens, of two or three years old (Ork. 1806 P. Neill Tour Ork. and Shet. 209, 1866 Edm. Gl.). Also harbine; harbeen (Ork. 1929 Marw.) and attrib. with kuithe in forms harber-, harbo-, harva-, orva- (Ib.). See also Cuithe.Ork. a.1795 G. Low Fauna Orcad. (1813) 194:
A few of the same shoal are caught next year, when they are called Harbines, or two year old kuths.Ork. 1822 S. Hibbert Descr. Shetl. 120:
The piltock of Shetland is the kuth of Orkney, which the following year is distinguished in the latter place by the name of harbines, or two year-old kuths.
