Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LIMREK, n. Also limmeri(c)k. The bog-asphodel, Narthecium ossifragum (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1947 Shetland Folk Bk. I. 83, Sh. 1961). [′lɪm(ə)rək]
[Assimilated form of limb + break, from the folk-notion that the plant made the legs of sheep brittle. Cf. the botanical name ossifragum and Fr. brise-os, Du. beenbreck, Ger. beinbrechgras, id.]
