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.
THROSTLE, n., v. Also throssel, -il; thrustle; thrissel (Sc. 1825 Jam.), thristle.
I. n. The song-thrush, Turdus ericetorum (ne.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of “Dee” 75). As in Eng. now only liter. The usual Sc. name for the bird is the Mavis. Comb. throstle-cock, thristle-, thrissil-, the male song-thrush (Rxb. 1885 C. Swainson Brit. Birds 2), the male missel-thrush, Turdus viscivorus (Sc. 1825 Jam., thrissil-), in some forms confused with Thrissel, 1. (5).Sc. 1803 Proud Lady Margaret in Child Ballads No. 47 A. x.:
The thristlecock is the bonniest bird Sings on the evening gale.m.Lth. 1808 Scots Mag. (Feb.) 87:
The Throstle was heard to sing at Prestonfield.wm.Sc. 1832 Whistle-Binkie 45:
The throssil whusslit sweet.Abd. 1884 D. Grant Lays 141:
While round us trill the throstle's notes.Sc. 1920 A. Gray Songs from Heine 15:
The throstles 'ill sing at your winnock.
II. v. Of a bird: to warble, pipe, sing.Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 8:
Thou hot-fac'd sun! Who cheers the drooping warld And gars the buntlins throstle.
