Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1944
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CROTTYMELL, n. "A sort of root dug up and eaten by children" (e.Rs.1 1929), prob. the earth-nut or root of the heath-pea, Lathyrus tuberosus. Also contr. form crotty.Sc. 1944 M. S. Keay in Scots Mag. (Nov.) 87:
The "scholars," he noted with a smile, had been howking for crotties in this bank. He, too, would have a try, though their season was past and the delicate bloom shed.
