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.
RIACH, adj. Also reeo (Ork. 1929 Marw.); and misreading riaed (Bnff. 1706 Sc. N. & Q. (Ser. II.) 75). Of a greyish white colour, drab, brindled (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.), applied esp. to a mixture of black and white wool in homespun cloth (Marw.).Mry. 1716 in A. & H. Tayler 1715 (1936) 288:
Two pairs of plaids for Tannachie's own bed, a Riach pair and a pair white.Abd. 1754 R. Forbes Journal 29:
I had nae mair claise bat a spraing'd faikie, or a riach plaidie.
