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.
SPURD, n. Also spord (Jak.). [spord]
1. One of the two lobes or flukes of a fish's tail (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1971), used in fishermen's taboo-speech of the tail of any animal (Sh. 1897 J. Jakobsen Dial. Sh. 16).
2. Extended usages: a projecting ridge of coast-line partially submerged, a low rocky point or reef (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), freq. in place-names; the loop or upper end of a fish-hook where it is tied to the line (Ib., Sh. 1971).
[Norw. dial. spord, O.N. sporðr, a fish's tail.]
