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.
OWERTREE, n. Also oure-tree, over-. See Tree. [′ʌu(ə)rtri]
1. A cross-beam, a lintel. Also fig.; the cross-bar at the front of a box-cart (Ayr. 1964).Abd. 1707 Sc. N. & Q. (Ser. 1) X. 45:
To the Pantry with a double Tree and . . . sol Trees and over Trees.Fif. 1745 E. Henderson Ann. Dunfermline (1879) 446:
The councill impowered the said tacksmen on their own expence to fix and place two trees and an overtree for the benefit of the landwart fleshers.Mry. 1763 Session Papers, Dunbar v. Dunbar, State of Process 14:
The Timber-work was, two Sides or Cheeks, a Bottom or Ground-tree, and an Over-tree, but remembers no moveable Boards in the Sluice.Abd. 1957 Buchan Observer (4 June):
They[horses]'re naething but fower posts an' an ower tree!
†2. The single stilt of the old Orkney plough (Ork. 1814 J. Shirreff Agric. Ork. 51).
[O.Sc. ourtre, + 1., 1573, owertrie, + 2., 1637.]
