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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BISS, n.

1. “Stance for cattle” (Slg. 1912 per Abd.13). [bɪs]Sc. 1931 J. Sillars in Scots Mag. (Sept.) 418:
He had driven the twae kye in from the meadow and tied them in their bisses.

2. (See quot.)Rnf.3 1933:
The biss in the cows' byre was the gutter into which the excretions etc. were dropped.

[Cf. Bizzie, n.2, and Eng. dial. boose. O.E. *bōs, bōsig, a stall.]

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