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.
Quotation dates: 1736, 1822-1825, 1891, 1964
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TANG, n.2 Also taing, teng (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), ting (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.); teeng (Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1972); tyang (Abd. 1825 Jam.). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. tang, a prong or the like. [teŋ, Sh., Ork. + tiŋ, Abd. + tjɑŋ]
1. As in Eng., a projecting pointed spike; specif. the prong of a digging- or pitch-fork (Abd. 1825 Jam., taing; Dmf. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 317, ting; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Sh., Cai., m.Sc. 1972). Also in Eng. dial.Abd. 1736 Abd. Estate (S.C.) 25:
To Six Tangs with firrels for Hay Forks.Abd. 1825 Jam.:
The taing o' a graip, the taing o' a fow.
†2. A piece of iron used for fencing (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.).
3. The tongue of a Jew's harp (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai.; I.Sc., Cai., Lnk. 1972). Phr. the tang o' the trump, id., fig. the most important person in any company, enterprise or organsation, the life and soul of a party, a movement, etc. (Sc. 1887 Jam.). See also Stang.
4. A long. narrow point of land projecting into the sea, a tongue of land (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw., taing, t(e)eng; I.Sc., Cai. 1972). Freq. in place-names.Sh. 1822 S. Hibbert Description 518:
A narrow stripe of land stretches out that is named the Taing of Torness. The word “Taing” expresses the character of the low projecting cape.Ork. 1891 Buckley and Harvie-Brown Fauna Ork. 167:
At “the Ting”, or Toy Ness.Sh. 1964 Nordern Lichts 8:
Da muckle skerry be-oot da taing Is covered ower, in raas, Wi flaachterin scarfs.
