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.
SPONG, v. Also spung. Only in derivs. 1. spong(g)et, spongit, spungid, -it, ppl.adj., gen. of cattle: spotted, mottled, black and white (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., spungit, 1914 Angus Gl., spongget, Sh. 1971); 2. sponga, n., the name given to a spotted or mottled cow. [′spɔŋgət, -gə]1. Sh. 1897 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd (1922) 15:
Doo'll be sayin' 'at A'm ta blame 'at da spungid coo is no callow'd yit.Sh. 1962 New Shetlander No. 63. 29:
“Spongit” is a mottled wye.2. Sh. 1897 Shetland News (12 June):
Noo, Mansie, sees doo Spunga's calf?Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 176:
Animals too had names, generally derived from their colour, such as Sponga (spotted).
