Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BAR-THE-DOOR, n.phr. Also barley-door (Ags., Arg., Bte. 1969 I. & P. Opie Children's Games 136). The game of Leave-o or Relief, n., 3. (Arg. 1901 R. C. Maclagan Games Arg. 210; Abd., Fif. 1975). See Burrie, n.2Fif. 1957:
When a prisoner was put in the den his captor shouted “Bar the door”, and the prisoner had to stay there unless one of his own side reached him and said “Break the door”, which set him free.
