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.
¶BIR, n.2 ? Variant, metri causa, of Eng. bur, burdock, Arctium lappa.Cai. 1829 J. Hay Poems 75:
With sorrel, mastich, blades o' fir, An' fennel seed, An' costus, plantane, mint an' bir.