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.
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.]
