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.
†LAIN, v. Also laine, layne, le(a)ne, le(i)n. To conceal, be silent about (what one knows). Obs. in Eng. since 17th c. Only in proverbs and ballads. In 1828 quot. = to remain concealed.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 240, 347:
Little can a long tongue lein. . . . Women and Bairns lain what they know not. But what they know they'll blab out.Sc. c.1800 Jamie Telfer in Child Ballads No. 190 A. xxvii.:
It's I, the Captain o Bewcastle, Simmy, I winna lain my name frae thee.Sc. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 84:
Tell us, May Margaret, And dinna to us len.Abd. 1828 P. Buchan Ballads II. 214:
It is to Thomas o' Winesberry, That cannot langer len'.
