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.
YEARN, v. Also yirn. Sc. forms of Eng. earn (Bwk. 1859 P. Landreth J. Spindle (1911) 1, yirn; e.Lth. 1892 J. Lumsden Sheep-Head 257; Abd. 1897 G. MacDonald Salted with Fire xxii., yirn; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence yirnins, wages (Watson). See Y, letter, 2.(2) and P.L.D. § 74.1.