Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WARBA, n. Also warboo (Cai.). The greater plantain, Plantago major (Cai. 1973). Combs. warba blade(s), id. (Mry. 1839 G. Gordon Flora Mry. 6; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 207; Nai. 1892 Trans. Northern Assoc. I. v. 61); warba leaves, id. (Mry. 1886 B. and H. 483). [′wɑrbu, ′wɑrbə]Cai. 1956:
Warboo was used esp. in poultices as a powerful agent in cleansing dirty wounds. The leaves were first washed in cold water, then bruised by chewing before being applied to wound.
