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: 1757-1779
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NITHSDALE, prop. n. The valley of the R. Nith in Dumfriesshire, used attrib. in phrs. Nithsdale measure, -peck, -pint, etc., to indicate a measure of capacity for dry stuff and liquids current in Dmf. and e.Kcb. in the 18th and early 19th cs., about one-tenth larger than the corresponding standard Sc. equivalent.Dmf. 1757 Nithsdale Baron Ct. Bk. MS. 5:
The Wheat or Great Corn at Two Shillings and four pence per peck, the Small Corn at Thirteen pence halfpenny per peck all Nithsdale measure.Dmf. 1779 J. Swinton Weights, etc. 73:
The Nithsdale or Dumfries Peck, a striked measure, is the most general of the old measures.
