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.
SPAT, n.3 As in Eng. Sc. phr. black spats, a cant term for irons on the legs, leg-shackles.Sc. 1820 A. Sutherland St. Kathleen IV. iii.:
Gin he hidna the black spats on. I sid apen the door a wee thin cannier.
