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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.

Quotation dates: 1845

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SHEER, adj.2 Only in combs. sheer-bitch (Kcd. 1930 Fishery Board Gl.), sheer dog, the tope or Portugal shark, Galeus canis (Abd. 1815 J. Arbuthnot Fishes 60; ne.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of "Dee" 269).Ayr. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 V. 90:
Of fishes which are not sold, the Portugal shark or sheer dog (Squalus cornubicus) is met with.

[Orig. obscure. The fish is also called sea-dog and spear-dog of which this may be a corruption, phs. by confusion with sheer dog s.v. Sheer, adj.1]

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