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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.

MUNGO-HARRY, n.comb.? Trickery, sleight of hand.Abd. 1820 A. Skene Poems 21:
A stinkin' brock, in glamour deep read, Wha'd lang the jugglin' art his trade made, An' fleec'd mankin', by mungo-harry.

[Prob. a fanciful formation meant to represent a conjurer's patter or magical language. Cf. somewhat sim. forms m Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) II. 153.]

19071

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