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.
¶SHANE, n. In comb. shane dance, see quot. The meaning is doubtful. The editor connects with Shantrews but this is unlikely in the context and the spelling is phonologically improbable. The form suggests rather schen s.v. Scene which also occurs in the documents quoted by McGill (see Scene) but the precise application is obscure. The words suggest some kind of ballet or masque.Abd. 1719 W. McGill Old Ross-shire (1909) 65:
To the dancing master for Mr Munro's shane dance £1 4. To expenses of Mr Munro's shane dance £2 8.
