Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1877
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SOBER, v. Sc. usage: to allay or calm (a gale), cause (wind) to abate.Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 198:
He winna geng oot ta sober da wind, though weel he can dü it. Yacob, with his face toward the east, and taking his staff in his left hand, raised his right arm, and pronounced the following incantation, sawing the wind as he spoke:— "Robbin cam ower da vaana wi' a shü nü; Twabbie, Toobie, Keeliken, Kollickin' Palktricks alanks da robin. Güid sober da wind."
