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.
RABBIT, n. Sc. combs.: 1. rabbit fish, as in Eng., applied to various fish having points of resemblance to a rabbit, specif. the arctic chimaera, Chimaera monstrosa (Sh. 1884 F. Day Brit. Fishes II. 287, Sh., Abd. c.1930 Fishery Board Gl.); 2. rabbits'-rest, a restless night (see quot.). Cf. ratton's rest, s.v. Ratton, 1. (4); 3. rabbit's sugar, a child's name for the seeds of the common sorrel, Rumex acetosa (Mry.1 1925, Mry., Bnff. 1967); 4. rabbit-thissle, the common annual sow-thistle, Sonchus oleraceus (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; m.Lth., s.Sc. 1967).2. Fif. c.1850 R. Peattie MS.:
Rabbits'-rest — described as “oot o' ae hole into anither”, when the bed is rough or bumpy.
