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.
MACCLARTY, prop. n. In prop. name Mrs. McClarty used to designate a dirty slovenly housewife (Kcd., Ags., Fif., Kcb., Dmf. 1962).Abd. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XII. 1002:
They [cottages] are in general built of mud, ill-constructed, ill-ventilated, and ill-roofed; and when a Mrs M'Clarty, as sometimes happens, is the presiding inmate, neatness and cleanliness are not their characteristics.Bwk. 1856 G. Henderson Pop. Rhymes 80:
But the “grey mare”, in this case, seems to have been “the better horse”; and is scarcely ever mentioned in connection with this Mrs M'Clarty. She seems to have been a moving dunghill.
