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.
Quotation dates: 1703-1779
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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/-.
