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.
Quotation dates: 1822, 1914-1962
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RIVA, n. Also dim. forms rivi(c)k, rivek, rivvik; rivock (Sh. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.), rivvoch (Edm.), rivack, rivvack.
1. A cleft, fissure or split, esp. in a rock or in the ground (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.).Sh. 1822 Scott Pirate vii.:
He proceeded towards a riva, or cleft in a rock.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Rivvik. A rift or deep fissure in the ground made by the continued action of the weather.Sh. 1962 New Shetlander No. 60. 26:
A muckle rivvik i da face a da banks.
2. A slit for ventilation in an outhouse (Sh. 1878 E.D.D.).
[Norw. dial. riva, O.N. rifa, a rift, fissure, small opening.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Riva n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/riva>
