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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1881

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†HOBBITY-BOBBITY, n.comb. The nettle, Urtica dioica. Found only in the riddle in quot.ne.Sc. 1881 W. Gregor Folk-Lore 80:
“Hobbity-bobbity sits on this side o' the burn, Hobbity-bobbity sits on that side o' the burn An gehn ye touch hobbity-bobbity, Hobbity-bobbity 'ill bite you?”

[Etym. obscure. Cf. Heg-beg, id.]

Hobbity-bobbity n. comb.

14646

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