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.
SPAR, n.2 Adj. sparry. Sc. usage in comb. spar(ry) coal, a kind of coal “the backs or joints of which are filled with carbonate of lime” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 62; Fif. 1971).Fif. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 IX. 662:
The first, or what is commonly called the 9 feet seam, which consists of Splint coal, Spar coal, Head coal.Fif. 1902 R. Dron Coalfields 314:
Most of the Spar Coal (15 inches thick) is lost.
