Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

SWART, adj. Also swarter (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.). Black (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), ‡Sh. 1972); swarthy (Ags., Fif., Ayr. 1972). Combs.: (1) swart-back, the greater black-backed gull, Larus marinus (Ork. a.1795 G. Low Fauna Orc. (1813) 116; Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.). See Swabie; (2) swart(s)-heid, the edible top of the large tangle, Laminaria digitata (Cai. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 309, Cai. 1972). Also in reduced form swart (Jam.; Ork. 1929 Marw.); (3) swart-tangle, id. (Cai. 1904 E.D.D., Cai. 1972). (2) and (3) may however be associated rather with Norw. sværd, a sword, from the shape of the leaves. See Swarfish.Edb. 1886 R. F. Hardy Katie i.:
A bright, healthy look on her thin, swart face.(1) Sc. 1821 Scott Pirate x.:
The deep note of the swabie, or swartback.