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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RIG, n.3 Also wrig (Jam.) and dim. riggie. See also Wrig.

1. The smallest animal or weakling of a litter (Fif. c.1850 R. Peattie MS., 1926 Wilson Cent. Scot. 262; Ayr. c.1930; Sh., Cai., Ags., Per., Fif., m.Lth., Ayr., Gall. 1968); the feeblest bird in a nest (Sc. 1808 Jam.).

2. A term of contempt applied to a human being; a puny child (Sc. 1808 Jam.); a weakling, deformed person.m.Sc. 1933 J. Ressich Thir Braw Days 30:
Eicht-an'-twenty gallon [of lost whisky], laddie. 'Deed aye, nae wonner it brack the auld rig's hairt.

[Of uncertain orig. See note to Riglin, n.2]

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