Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶CRIFT, v.2 ? A corruption of Eng. rift, to split, cleave, poss. by association with cleft.Rnf. 1813 G. MacIndoe Wandering Muse 95, 221:
To guard the thunder-crifted mansion O' scandal, skaith an foul contention. . . . To cauld a canty sang we'll sing, Till crifted caves and caverns ring.