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.
Quotation dates: 1795, 1864
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MORTAR, n. Also morter. Sc. usage: red clay soil of the type once used as mortar in building houses.Per. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIX. 337, 339:
It [a ridge] is composed entirely of that red clay substance called mortar here, from its use as a cement in building. . . . That red coarse clay, called mortar, is the basis of all the grounds in this part of Strathmore.Ags. 1864 D. Allan Kirriemuir 22:
The soil along the north and south is sandy, but on the central and larger part of the area it is for the most part a black mould, on a bottom of what is locally called morter.
