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.
SPROUT, v., n. Also sproot (Fif. 1879 S. Tytler Lady Jean's Son xiv.; Lth. 1888 D. Carmichael Cosietattle 263; Ags. 1890 Brechin Advertiser (14 Oct.); Edb. 1915 T. W. Paterson Auld Saws 47), spruit (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Sc. 1925 Scots. Mag. 181; Kcb. 1928), sprut (Sc. 1829 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) II. 206). Sc. forms and usages. See P.L.D. § 38. [sprut]
I. v. To rub or break off the sprouts of potatoes (I. and n.Sc. 1971).Sh. 1900 Shetland News (26 May):
Yon twartree taties 'at's in under da mill 'ill hae ta be sprooted an' pitten in bags.
II. n. Fig. A child (Bnff., Fif., Ayr., s.Sc. 1971).Rnf. 1813 E. Picken Poems I. 156:
Health to your little cheerfu' Sproot.Cai. 1904 E.D.D.:
Bit sproots o' bairnies, young slender children.Rs. 1943 C. M. Maclean Three for Cordelia I. i.:
Jock tries to take the wee sproot down a peg.
