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.
Quotation dates: 1739-1877, 1931-1932
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INN, n. Also in. Sc. usages:
1. A dwelling, habitation (Abd. 1825 Jam.; Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., in). Obs. in Eng. in this sense since 17th c. Also used in pl. with sing. meaning; cf. Eng. lodgings.Abd. 1739 Caled. Mag. (1788) 505:
And what was warst, scowp'd hame, them lane, Maybe to hungry Inns And cauld that day.Sc. 1814 Scott Lord of the Isles vi. xxvi.:
To that dark inn, the grave!Sh. 1834 Old-Lore Misc. X. v. 213:
Where the fishing “Inn” or village stands on the low beach.Fif. 1931 J. Wilkie Bygone Fife 37:
One of the oldest buildings [in Inverkeithing] has been known as the Palace and as the Inns.
2. Pl., now obs. in Eng.: a tavern, hotel, public house where travellers may lodge (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Ayr., Kcb., Slk. 1958).Abd. p.1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shep. MS. 131:
Sir, I suppose, Ken says, you're Landlord here, I am, Sir, Says he, tho' my inns look poor.Ayr. 1821 Galt Ayr. Legatees v.:
Mrs Pringle, and her daughter Rachel, agreed to bide with me in the inns.Uls. 1877 N. & Q. (5th Ser.) VII. 107:
I put up at the heed inns.Slg. 1932 W. D. Cocker Spring o' the Year 14:
My trunk's ower-by at the inns.
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"Inn n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 4 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/inn>
