Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1783-1828
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PA, n. Sc. form of Eng. pall, a fine or rich cloth, usu. of purple. In ballad usage and as an archaism revived by Scott. See P.L.D. §78.1.Sc. 1783 Gil Brenton in Child Ballads No. 5 A. vii.:
An she was dressed i the finest pa, But ay she loot the tears down fa.Sc. 1806 R. Jamieson Ballads I. 94:
I'll gie you a robe, Glenkindie, A robe o' the royal pa'.Sc. 1810 Scott Lady of Lake iv. xii.:
If pall and vair no more I wear.Sc. 1828 Lord Livingston in Child Ballads No. 262. vii.:
Her kirtle was made o the pa.
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"Pa n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/pa>
