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.
RAMPS, n. Also ramsh. The wild garlic, Allium ursinum (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 403; Per. 1825 Jam.; Bwk. 1853 G. Johnston Botany E. Borders 198, Dmf. 1889 Proc. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 152; Uls. a.1908 Traynor (1953); Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Kcb.10 1939). Also in Eng. dial. Reduced form ramp in comb. ramp-leeks, ramplicks (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 60).Per. 1784 Trans. Soc. Antiq. Scot. (1818) II. 70:
On these hills is found a mountain leek, or “ramsh” as it is here named, whereon the goats feed, and sometimes their milk smells of it.Lth. 1860 J. Locke Tweed & Don 31:
The number of ramps, or wild onions, which grow abundantly on the south side.
