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.
¶SLEEVEN, n. “A thin lean boy” (Ork. 1920 in Marw.).
[Not otherwise attested and poss. a misunderstanding of Ir. slieveen, a rogue, rascal.]