Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCAB, n. One of the umbelliferae, e.g. hemlock (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; s.Sc. 1969).
[So called from the appearance of the cluster of seed-heads, rather like a patch of scab or sim. cutaneous disease.]