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.
WIRT, n. Sc. form of Eng. wort, the infusion of malt which is fermented to become beer (Edb. 1701 S. Leith Records (Robertson 1925) II. 5; Ork. 1894 W. R. Mackintosh Peat-Fires 99; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Sc. combs.: 1. wort-brose, Brose made with wort; 2. wort-dish, a vessel for holding wort, a fermentation vat. Obs. in Eng.; 3. wort-shill, a scoop or shovel for wort in brewing. See Shuil; 4. wort-stane, “a stone used in making wort, for keeping the barrel steady in its position” (w.Lth. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 216), laid on the bunch of straws used in the mash-vat as a strainer to prevent the malt from clogging the outlet (Ork. 1974). Obs. in Eng.1. Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 17:
He bocked up a the barley and then gar'd the ale go like a rain bow frae him as brown as wort brose.2. Sc. 1747 Nairne Peerage Evidence (1873) 80:
In the brewhouse a wort dish . . . sixpence.3. Sc. 1703 Lady Baillie's Household Bk. (S.H.S.) 170:
For a little wort shill . . . 6/-.
