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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.

OSSIGAR, n. Also ossicar, oziger. Of fowls: a state of moulting (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1964), gen. in phrs. in or oot o ossigar.Ork. 1929 Peace's Almanac:
Da hens ar'na oot o' ossicar yet.

[Orig. obscure. Phs. to be connected with Nossiger, ? Norw. usikker, unsafe, insecure, uncertain, unsteady.]

19937

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