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.
¶THRAWS-SPANG, n. comb. An iron band fixed across the curve in the beam of the old Orkney plough to strengthen it (Ork. 1814 J. Shirreff Agric. Ork. 51), “a rod of iron attached by one end to the beam of the plough immediately before the insertion of the handle, and having the other end fastened to that part of the plough which descends perpendicularly downwards to the merkie pin” (Ork. 1825 Jam.).
[A corrupt form of hauss-spang, id., s.v. Hause, n., 8.(8), by confusion with Thraw, n., 1. For spang see Spang, n.3]
