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: 1812-1825
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†HOG, v.2 Of trees: to clip or pollard.Per. 1825 Jam.:
To hog trees, to cut them over about the place where the branches begin to divide. In this case they are said to be hoggit.
Hence hog-main, n., see quot.Sc. 1812 J. Sinclair Husb. Scot. i. 43:
When hedges therefore come to a proper height and strength as fences, they ought to be cut into the shape of what is called a hog-main, i.e. brought to a point along the top, and preserved in that form by yearly switching.
