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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.

ILL-FARRANT, adj. Also -farand, -faur(a)nt. Ugly, uncomely, untidy, unkempt, unpleasant in behaviour or appearance (em.Sc.(a), Rxb. 1958). See Farrant, 1.s.Sc. 1836 Wilson's Tales of the Borders II. 325:
Being rather handsome, and no that ill-farand.
Bwk. 1880 T. Watts Woodland Echoes 61:
And, lang ere ye wat o't, the ill-faurant breed Ha'e worrit yer name, reputation, an' creed.
Abd. 1929 Sc. Readings (Paterson) 93:
I jist up an' tell't her fat I thocht o' er . . . an ill-faurnt, feckless cratur.

[O.Sc. ill-farandly, in poor condition, a.1500.]

15303

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