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.
HERSKIN, adj. Also harskin; herskit (Ork. 1902 E.D.D.). Of material or the skin: rough, dry, harsh to the touch; of the throat: dry, parched (Ork. 1902 E.D.D., 1929 Marw.); rude, dirty, ill-favoured (Marw.); also used fig. of manners (E.D.D.). Hence comb. ill-herskind, rough to the touch, disagreeable, ill-tempered (Marw.). [′hɛrskjən, ′hɑrsk(j)ɪn (Marw.)]
[A deriv. of Norw. dial. hersk, harsh, rancid, with ppl. endings -en, -it. ? Cf. Norw. dial. herskna, to become harsh, Faer. herskin, tasteless, unpalatable.]
