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.
SPEARIMINT, n. Also speerimint (Lnk. 1897 J. Wright Scenes Sc. Life 59). Sc. forms of Eng. spearmint, the plant, Mentha spicata (s.Sc. 1928 Border Mag. (Nov.) 182; Ags., Fif., wm. and s.Sc. 1971). [′spirɪmɪnt]
[The Sc. formation is poss. based on the adj. speary, like a spear, having stiff stalks.]
