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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

OSNABURG, n. Also osnaburgh, ozna-, -brig (Sc. 1749 Caled. Mercury (7 Aug.)), osenburg, -brug, ozen-, ozan-. A name orig. applied to a kind of coarse linen used for making pillow-cases, etc., now used for a stout coarse cotton fabric gen. made into overalls, sacking or the like (Fif. 1952 P. K. Livingstone Flax and Linen 43); in 1753 quot. of the yarn itself. The development of this manufacture in Scotland took place, mainly in Angus and Fife, from the 1740s onwards. Now hist. The village of Dairsiemuir near Cupar was sometimes nicknamed Osnaburgh from its chief industry. Also attrib.Sc. 1733 P. Lindsay Interest Scot. 117:
Osnaburgs and other low pric'd foreign goods of that kind . . . ought likewise to be subjected to a duty.Sc. 1753 Oban Times (18 June 1932):
David Campbell of Dunloskine began the spinning of Ozenburghs [in Iona] three years ago and has at present upwards of 30 wheels imployed.Ags. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ VI. 514:
About the year 1745 or 1746 the manufactory of Osnaburgh was introduced here [Forfar], which . . . has become the staple of the place.Wgt. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ II. 53:
The coarse yarn spun by the old women, is usually brought to the fairs . . . and there readily bought up to be made into osnaburghs for the West Indian market.Sc. 1836 Michael Scott The Cruise of the Midge Vol. I 260:
The men were clad in Osnaburg frocks, like those worn by waggoners in England, with blue frieze jackets over them, and white trowsers.Ags. 1866 C. Sievwright Sough 94:
Eppie, too, keeps an ozanburg aye upon hand, Tho' sometimes a month i' the loom it'll stand.Per. 1879 P. R. Drummond By-gone Days 190:
Ae time I was at Glasgow, wanting some tyking or Osen-brugs, or what the fiend ca' ye them, what ye mak pillows and bowsters o'?Ags. 1948 Scots Mag. (Nov.) 81:
It is indeed a far cry back to the Osnaburgh which is perpetuated by the pend of that name to-day [in Forfar].