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.
†SPRATLOON, n. The red-throated diver, Colymbus stellatus (e.Lth. 1867 W. R. Turnbull Birds E.Lth. 32).
[From sprat, a favourite food of the bird, + loon the diver. The form spratoon, found in e.An.dial, and attributed also to e.Lth. by Swainson Brit. Birds 214 appears to be an error.]
