Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ALSHINDER(S), ELSHINDER(S), ALISHINNER(S), ALISHUNNER(S), n. [′ɑlʃɪ̢n(d)ər(z), ′ɛl- Sc.; ′ɑlɪʃɪ̢nər(z) + ʃʌn- Kcb.]
1. The horse-parsley, Smyrnium olusatrum, formerly cultivated and eaten like celery. St.Eng. Alexanders (Allisanders 1669, Alysander 1579, Alysaunder 1440, quots. in N.E.D.).Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
Alshinder, Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum, Linn. Dear me! there's no an alshinder I meet, There's no a whinny-bush that trips my leg, There's no a tulloch that I set my foot on, But woos remembrance frae her dear retreat. Donald and Flora, p. 82.
2. Bishopweed, a name for the genus ammi, umbelliferous plants with aromatic leaves. “The best Ammi is brought out of Candia or Alexandria,” Bradley Fam. Dict. 1725 (N.E.D.).Kcb.1 1930:
The boys of Kirkpatrick, Durham and Springholm, working in the school garden in the former village, commonly refer to Bishopweed as Alishunners. (Another form, Alishinners.)
