Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

HEG-BEG, n.comb. The nettle, Urtica dioica.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 10:
An old riddle respecting the nettle runs this way — Heg Beg adist the dyke — and Heg Beg ayont the dyke — Gif ye touch Heg Beg — Heg Beg will gar ye fyke.