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.
†FURTAIL, n. An outer coat or surtout (Sh. 1814 Irvine MSS.). [Phs. a reduced form of *fork-tail, sc. 'a swallow-tail coat'. Sh. Norn furtel, an odd or worthless object (Jak.) has appar. no connection.]
