Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TUSK, n.1 Also tosk; torsk(e), tursk; tosch. A fish of the cod family resembling a ling and found chiefly in Northern Scottish waters, Brosmius brosme (Sc. 1808 Jam., I.Sc., Cai. 1973). It was gen. dried and formed one of the chief exports of Shetland. Also in comb. tusk-fish. [tʌsk]n.Sc. 1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Islands 385:
The Fish call'd Tusk abounds on the coast of Brassa.Sc. 1739 Caled. Mercury (22 March):
A small Parcel of extraordinary fine Tusk-Fish, to be sold at very reasonable Rates.Sc. 1772 Edb. Ev. Courant (3 Oct.):
Just arrived from Zetland by the Pacquet, Fine Cod, Ling, Saith, and Tusk Fish, Oil and Butter.Edb. 1800 Mrs. Frazer Cookery Book 144:
Steep two pound of tusk fish all night.Sh. 1822 S. Hibbert Description 294:
Much fish is cured at Lunna, consisting of ling, cod, and the Gadus Brosme, or torsk, commonly named Tusk. The latter. . . somewhat resembles ling, tho' not so long.Ork. 1884 R. M. Fergusson Rambles 162:
That saxear comean fae the haaf fu' tae the wayles o' ling and tosch.Sh. 1914 Old-Lore Misc. VII. ii. 73:
In old times the only marketable fish sent from Shetland were cod, ling, torske, and saithe (always excepting herring).
