Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1899, 1968
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SOORN, v. Also surn. intr. To turn sour, to become putrescent (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1971). Also in n.Eng. dial.; tr. to turn sour (Ib.); fig., of persons: to rot through idleness. [surn]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 178:
Piltik an' sillok lay soornin' in haeps.Sh. 1968 New Shetlander No. 84. 16:
Ower trang lyin surnin i' dee bed.
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