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.
OWERPLUS, n. Also owerplush (Uls. 1924 Northern Whig (Jan.)), o(v)er-. Sc. forms of Eng. overplus, now rare or dial. Surplus, excess, what is left over (Uls. 1953 Traynor; Bwk., Kcb., Uls. 1964). Also fig. [′ʌu(ə)rplʌs, -plʌʃ]Ayr. 1724 Ayr Presb. Reg. MS. (3 Nov.) 210:
The overplus was put into the box.Sc. 1746 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 210:
I am affraid they will insist upon the overplus to be payed them immediately.Sc. 1800 A. Carlyle Autobiog. (1860) 236:
He could . . . build a manse of an uncommon size and pay for the overplus.Slk. 1827 Hogg Shepherd's Cal. (1874) xi.:
It isna the want o' wisdom in you that plagues me, it is the o'erplush o't.Bnff. 1881 W. Philip K. MacIntosh's Scholars 74:
The owerplus is labour and sorrow.Sh. 1902 J. Burgess Sh. Folk 94:
Du'll see what da overplush'll be whin du haes nothin' ta pit i' di mooth.Rxb. 1926 Kelso Chron. (18 June) 4:
The bawbees is hained now. Ye get what they think's kinda dacent, but nae reckless owerplus.