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.
SKEG, n.1 Also skegg; skeg(g)a, skigga, skigie; misprinted skugg (Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 188). A fisherman's taboo name for the sail of a boat (Sh. 1814 Irvine MSS., skigie, 1866 Edm. Gl., skeg, skigga, 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 121, skegg, 1908 Jak. (1928), skega, 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970). [skɛg]
[Faer. skeki, rag, clout, Icel. skiki, a strip of cloth.]
