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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCAIRGE, v. Also skairge. To smear or spread over with a thin coat, gen. in vbl.n. scairgin, “the merest covering or scraping as applied with a knife, brush, etc.” e.g. of butter (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). [skerdʒ]Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 20:
She paat the awfihest skairgeen o' butter on o' ma peece.

[Orig. doubtful. Phs. an altered form of Spairge, q.v. Watson compares Mid.Eng. scarche, a variant of scratch.]

22990

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