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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SWARFISH, n. Also swaar-. The spotted blenny, Pholis gunnellus (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 214; Ork. 1838 W. Yarrell Fishes (1859) II. 376; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1972). [′swɑrfɪʃ]Sh. 1949 New Shetlander (Mar.–Apr.) 8:
Lifting a stone in a pool, a yellowish little fish darts off in a flurry of sand. “Yun's a swaarfish.”

[The first element is ad. Norw. svaer(d), a sword. Cf. swordick, id., s.v. Swurd.]

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