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.
VENT, v.1, n.1 Sc. usages of Eng. vent, to sell, sale:
I. v. To sell (any commodity). Obs. exc. dial. in Eng. by early 18th c.Sc. 1708 Morison Decisions Suppl. IV. 726:
The taxmen of the town pursue Straiton for what ale he brewed and vented or sold within the town of Edinburgh.Sc. 1715 A. Pennecuik Tweeddale (1815) 51:
There have frequently been seen 9000 [sheep] in the customer's roll, and most of all these sold and vented in one day.Fif. 1744 G. Gourlay Old Neighbours (1887) 58:
No contraband liquor had been “vented”, for months in the town.Ayr. 1789 D. Sillar Poems 43:
Ye'll maybe sair some day repent it That ever whisky free was ventet On this side Tweed.
II. n. In transf. sense: progress, speed, advance with work (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), from the notion of a busy market for one's goods or work.Rxb. 1825 Jam.:
Are ye comin' onything gude vent the day?
