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.
RIPE, adj. Sc. usage, of a child: fully formed in the womb, ready for birth. Rare and obs. in Eng.Ayr. 1726 Ayr Presb. Reg. MS. (20 July):
Having brought forth a ripe chyld about seven weeks befor the usuall time after the s[ai]d mariage.Sc. 1732 A. Monro Anat. Bones 296:
The superior Extremity of this third Phalanx is a Cartilage in a ripe Child.
