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: 1866-1914
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‡RON, v. Also roan; roin. To plunder, rob, despoil, esp. used of plundering the nest of a bird or wild bees (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1968). Phr. ronin the bee, fig., see 1866 quot. [ro:n]Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
Ronin the Bee, a rude game; a cazzie is unexpectedly thrown over the head of a person; the victim is then pressed down, and buckets of water thrown upon the cazzie until the person beneath is thoroughly saturated.Sh. 1894 Williamson MSS. (30 April):
You'll hae a day roinin da nest.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (15 May):
Fleein' troo my head laek a plivver aboot a roan'd nest.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
“To roan a bee's nest” — to take away the honey; “To roan a bird's nest” — to take the eggs or the nestlings.
