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.
PRINTFIELD, n. A cotton-printing works, so called because originally established on a bleaching field. Still surviving in place-names.Sc. 1742 Gsw. Journal (1–8 March):
Alexander Buchanan, Callicoe-Printer from London, has, in company with Archibald Ingram and other merchants in Glasgow, set up a Printing Work at Pollock-shaws . . . and, for the conveniency of Persons at a Distance, who may incline to send Goods to said Printfield, they have lodged Pattern Books with the following Persons.Gsw. 1790 Gsw. Mercury (16 Nov.):
“Fleshers, Haugh”, which has been occupied for some years past by Dalglish and Hutcheson as a printfield.Sc. 1869 D. Bremner Industries 298:
There are various styles of calico-printing and sometimes two or more of these are carried on in one printfield.Sc. 1924 J. Irving Dumbartonshire III. 349:
In the short course of the River Leven there were no less than six large print fields and five bleach fields.
