We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

HORVEN, n. A mythical sea-monster.Sh. 1822 S. Hibbert Descr. Sh. 565:
The kraken or horven, which appears like a floating island, sending forth tentacula as high as the masts of a ship, and the great sea-snake, are monsters that have been occasionally recognised.

[Phs. orig. some kind of shark. Cf. Sh. Norn horøvi, grey shark, from Hoe + ? Norw. rova, tail, the -n representing the suffixed article.]

14922

snd