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.
‡SMIRSIT, adj. Also smirset (Angus), smirslet (Jak.). Of sheep: having an area of white around the mouth (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970). The form smirsa is applied as a pet-name to a ewe so marked.Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 194:
“Smirsa”, smirsit, dark-coloured sheep with white round the mouth.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 116:
Yon smirsit yow o' dine is lyin i' da dall wi' a pritty lam.
