Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1768, 1846-1847
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WRING, v. Also Sc. forms vring (m.Lth. 1857 Misty Morning 258; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 204; Abd. 1928 Word-Lore III. 148). Pa.t. wrang (Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 87, 1870 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 98; Ags. 1894 J. B. Salmond Bawbee Bowden (1922) 140; Wgt. 1912 A.W.O.B. Fables 63), now obs. in Eng., vrang (Abd. 1928). Pa.p. vrung (Ags. 1840 G.Webster Ingliston xxx.; Bnff. 1907Banffshire Jnl. (22 Sept. 1953); Abd. 1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick vii.). [rɪŋ; ne.Sc. ‡vrɪŋ]
Sc. usages: 1. To twist the body about in pain or distress, to writhe. Obs. in Eng.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Works (S.T.S.) 36, 141:
In sick a tune he wrang, till at the last The dreary thought him in a fever cast . . . She threw an' she blew, an' she wrigl'd an' wrang.
2. Of a sword: to cut with a swiping motion, slash. The usage is doubtful and may be meant to represent Ring, v.2, 2.Ayr. 1846–7 Ballads (Paterson) I. 99:
The Deil about his tail did fling, Upon its tap there was a sting, But clean out thro't Schang's sword did ring.
