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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1820, 1892-1962

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MOD, n.1 Also ¶moade. [mɔ:d]

1. In Celtic areas originally applied to a council, parliament or other administrative gathering. Hist.; 2. Now in Gen.Sc. usage applied to the annual gathering or festival, first promoted by An Comunn Gaidhealach in 1892, where awards are made to encourage Highland literature, music and home industries.1. Sc. 1820 D. Carey Lochiel I. 79:
A moade is just a court o' chustice whare ta chief and ta Duinne Wassail o' ta clan sit in judgment.
Highl. 1930 Times (6 Sept.) 7:
They [the St. Kildans] were interested in no administrative body except their own Mod, or Parliament. This assembly dealt with all matters pertaining to the life of the community. It decided the day on which it was advisable to set out for a neighbouring island to attend to the sheep on it. It decided the part of the cliffs where fowling operations should be carried out, and so on.
Sc. 1935 Observer (29 Sept.) 25:
"Mod" is a word of common origin with the English "mote," and "meet," and was anciently applied to councils and other clan gatherings at which laws were formulated, or interpreted, and the bards, harpers, vocalists, and pipers engaged in friendly rivalry.
2. Sc. 1892 Scotsman (14 Sept.):
A somewhat novel departure in Highland gatherings [was] held yesterday in Oban. The Mod, as it is called, is intended to be held annually. The idea of it has been in some measure borrowed from the Welsh Eisteddfod and the aim of its promotors is the encouragement and cultivation of Highland literature and music, the development of Highland home industries, and the extension of Gaelic teaching in schools.
Sc. 1962 Scottish Field (Nov.) 115:
Oban, birthplace of An Comunn Gaidhealach, extended hospitality to the Gaelic influx for the annual Mod last month.

[Gael. mòd, a meeting, assembly.]

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