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.
†HORIN, n. Also hoaren, -in; horeng (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 107); worin (Jak.). A Sh. sea tabu-name for the seal (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.). [′ho:rɪn.]Sh. 1897 J. Jakobsen Dial. Shet. 28:
The seal was in the North Isles and Foula called “de hoarin (or woarin)” which means “the hairy one,” “the hair-fish.”Sh. 1932 J. Saxby Trad. Lore 202:
“The Horin” is any seal; example: “I saw a horin' aff the Skerry.”
