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.
MAIRTIN, n. Sc. form of Eng. 1. martin, the house-martin, Delichon urbica (Arg.1 1930, Abd. 1962). Comb. martin swallow, id. (e.Lth. 1886 C. Swainson Brit. Birds 56); 2. marten, the pine-marten. Comb. mairtin-cat, ? id.1. Mry. 1840 Lintie o' Moray (Rampini 1887) 87:
Where martin-swallows found A shelter nicht an' day, Sir!Abd. 1879 G. Macdonald Sir Gibbie l.:
The doos, an' the mairtins an' the craws.2. Ags. 1897 F. McKenzie Sprays 280:
The mairtin-cat, . . . a naisty treacherous thief-brute that wad scart the een oot o' your heid.
