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.
KERTIN MARY, n.phr. Also Cairter Mary. A gleam or glare on the water, coming with the tide, and said to be the sign of an east wind (Mry. 1919 T.S.D.C., Mry. 1959).Mry. 1919 T.S.D.C.:
At Lossiemouth it is called Cairter Mary, and is thus described by a fisherman, “It's like a rainbow reflected in the water, but much smaller, like an umbrella, and shows in the shadows of the boat — a sure sign of east wind.”
