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.
SMELT, n.1 Sc. usages of Eng. smelt, the spirling, Osmerus eperlanus.
1. A young salmon between the stages of Parr and Grilse, a Smolt (Bwk. 1761 Edb. Mag. (1788) 242; Sc. 1808 Jam.). Gen.Sc. and n.Eng. dial.Per. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 III. 301:
Eels, salmon, smelt and some flounders.Bwk. 1842 Proc. Bwk. Nat. Club II. 4:
He took Smelts of the Salmon with their silvery sides.
2. In dim. form smeltie, the bib, Gadus luscus, or wrasse, Labrus labrus (Sh. 1880 F. Day Fishes I. 287).
3. A term of contempt or raillery for a small person or a child, a Smowt (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 170).
