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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.

LANE, n. A slow-moving, meandering stream or its bed (Lnk., Gall., Dmf. 1825 Jam.; Ayr., sm.Sc. 1960). Also as the first element in some Gall. place-names, e.g. Lanebreddan, Lanemannoch, Laniewee.Kcb. 1897 Crockett Lads' Love xxv.:
A “lane” is, in Galloway, a slow, untrouted, sullen, half-stagnant piece of water, loitering currentless across a meadow or peat-moor.sm.Sc. 1909 W. L. Calderwood Salmon Rivers 376:
The word “lane”, as applied to a small tributary stream, is, so far as I know, confined to the district of Carrick and to the counties of Kirkcudbright and Dumfries.Wgt. 1950 Scots Mag. (May) 166:
The headwaters of the Doon and Black Water of Dee, are known as “lanes”.

[O.Sc. in comb. lane-onion, the royal fern, Gael. lèan, Ir. léana, a marshy meadow, a piece of ground with a soft, wet bottom. The development of meaning may have been influenced by Eng. lane.]

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