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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1787-1836

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VALENTINE, prop.n. Sc. usage in phr. Valentine's deal(ing), a custom observed on St. Valentine's eve whereby the names of the members of a company of both sexes are written on slips of paper and then chosen by lot by the opposite sex, the person whose name was drawn supposedly becoming the drawer's sweetheart for the year (Sc. 1887 Jam.). Also valintin.Ayr. 1787 Burns Tam Glen vi.:
Yestreen at the valentines' dealing, My heart to my mou' gied a sten; For thrice I drew ane without failing, And thrice it was written — Tam Glen!
Abd. 1836 J. Grant Tales of Glens (1869) 54:
After the dealin' o' the valintin's, we waur upon nae hurry brakin' up.

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