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.
ROVE, v.2 Of a fire: to burn strongly and brightly, to blaze. Ppl.adj. rovin, burning brightly, blazing (ne.Sc. 1968). Deriv. rover, a large blazing fire (Sh., n.Sc. 1968). Cf. Reeve, v.4Bnff. 1850 in W. Barclay Schools Bnff. (1925) 47:
The scholars were quite comfortable in front of a good “rovin'” fire.n.Sc. c.1870 R. Ford Vagabond Songs (1904) 45:
Ither lads an' lasses sittin' roond a rovin' fire.Abd. 1952 Fraserburgh Herald (22 April):
I was ushered into a fine sitting room, taken close up to a “rover” of a fire.Abd. 1955 Huntly Express (16 Dec.):
He put on a roving peat fire and closed the door.
