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.
SPROOSIT, ppl.adj. Spotted or mottled in colour, of a sheep (Ork. 1929 Marw.). [′sprusət]
[Orig. doubtful. Marw. suggests a connection with Ger. sprosse, a fleck, freckle, but this is unlikely. The word may simply be a nonce extension of Eng. spruced, smartened in appearance of dress.]
