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: 1794-1921
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‡YAM, n. Also yaam (I.Sc.). Sc. usages of Eng. yam, the tropical edible tuber.
1. A coarse variety of the common potato, also known as horse-potato (See Horse).e.Lth. 1794 G. Buchan-Hepburn Agric. E. Lth. 82:
There is another species of potatoe. . . . We vulgarly call it the yam, but it is really the surinam, or hog potatoe.Sc. 1803 Trans. Highl. Soc. II. 68:
The large coarse varieties of potatoe, improperly called Yams.Sc. 1844 H. Stephens Bk. Farm II. 30:
The varieties raised exclusively for cattle are the common yam, red yam, and ox-noble.Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Sketches 304:
Take share o' a potfu' o' yams.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (29 Oct.):
What cam o' da twartree yaams 'at I set oot inunder da trap?
2. A contemptuous term for a silly, lumpish fellow, a blockhead. Cf. Tattie, 3.Ags. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
He's a regular yam.
3. Transf. The large mussel, Modiolus vulgaris, usually dredged up for bait (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Cf. horse-mussel s.v. Horse, n, 2. (37).
