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.
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.
