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.
INFUSE, v. Sc. usage, now almost exclusively in regard to tea, corresp. to Eng. make: tr. of a person, to prepare, make, brew (tea); intr. of the tea or its container, to undergo the process of infusing. Gen.Sc. [Now gen. ɪn′fju:z, but m. and s.Sc. m′fø: z, -′fy: z, -fe:z]Ags. 1857 A. Douglas Ferryden 83:
The tea-kettle is placed another link lower in the “crook,” that the water may soon be fit for infusing the tea.m.Sc. 1883 R. Buchanan Annan Water I. vii.:
The pot's infusing at the kitchen fire, and I'll fetch it in mysel'.Ags. 1890 Barrie Little Minister xxiv.:
While I am infusing my tea.m.Sc. 1914 O. Douglas The Setons i.:
To have the teapot well heated before she infused the tea.Sc. 1950 Weekly Scotsman (15 Sept.):
Other expressions which I continued to use while I remained unaware that they sounded strange to English ears. “Shall I infuse the tea?”
