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.
VENTUR, n., v. Also ventar, -er, vinter (Abd. 1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick i.). Sc. forms of Eng. venture (Sc. a.1714 Earls Crm. (Fraser 1876) II. 491, 1834 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) IV. 91; Abd. 1916 G. Abel Wylins 99; Ork. 1968 M. A. Scott Island Saga 99). Gen.Sc. Sc. n. usages. [′vɛntər]
1. In phr. to take one's ventur, to take one's chance, to take what may turn up for oneself.Bte. 1702 Rothesay T. C. Records (1935) II. 546:
William Auld hes undertaken for his sone to be herd this year and takes his ventar of what kowes comes before him.
2. Anything driven ashore by tide or wind, flotsam, wreck (Gall. 1905 E.D.D.). Hence deriv. †venterer, a gatherer of such.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 455:
The rude “venterers” catch hold when the prey comes within reach. . . . Persons living by shores who happen to get rich, are always suspected to have “made themselves up,” by gaining rich venters.
