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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.

SISTANCE, n. The smallest possible quantity of food, the least bite (Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Ork., Cai. 1970). Also in reduced form sisten, used attrib. in quot. = very small, tiny. [′sɪstəns]Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 115:
I patna a sisten air o' tea i' da pot ava.

[Poss., as E.D.D., an aphetic form of. Eng. subsistence, but more likely a reduction of sustenance. Cf. sistentation s.v. Sustentation, sussnins s.v. Sussin.]

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