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.
SISTER, n. Sc. usages in combs.: 1. Sister-bairn, the child of a parent's sister, hence a cousin on the mother's side (Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Sh., Cai. 1970); 2. sister-part, under the Sh. udal system: a daughter's portion of her father's property which was only half that of her brother or brothers, hence proverbially = less than one's right, little or nothing for one's share (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.); 3. sister('s) son, a nephew, the son of one's sister (I.Sc. 1970).2. Sh. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 VII. 584:
As these udallers divided their Lands among all their children (the son got two merks, and the daughter one; hence the sister part, a common proverb in Shetland to this day), the possessions soon become trifling.3. Sc. a.1714 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 490:
Monro of Foulls, sister sone to this Johne.Sc. c.1791 Sir Andrew Barton in Child Ballads No. 167 B. xlvi.:
Sir Andrew calld his nephew then; says, Sisters son I hi nè mae.Ork. 1863 St Andrews Gazette (16 May):
Peter Knight, son of the late Magnus Knight, and a sister's son of the former.
