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.
TIRSO(O), n. Also tirsic, tirsick (Ork. 1929 Marw.); tusso (Id.). [′tɪrsʊ, -ɪk]
1. The marsh ragwort, Senecio Jacobea (Ork. 1887 Jam., 1929 Marw., Ork. 1972).Ork. 1914 M. Spence Flora Orcad. 38:
Marsh Ragwort. These are called “tirsics” in East Mainland, “tirsoos” in West Mainland.Ork. 1915 H. Marwick Orkney 262:
Shu's nether a tirso or a dochan.
2. The common dock, Rumex obtusifolius (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1972).
[Etym. doubtful, phs. to be associated with Tirsipel above from similarity in appearance.]
