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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FORE-A-HAND, adj. In the oxen ploughing-team, the leading right-hand ox. Cf. Forehand, I. 1.Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality xiv.:
I might as weel hae tried to drive our auld fore-a-hand ox without the goad — deil a step wad she budge.

[The form might represent fore-(th)e-hand or forrow hand. For the meaning of right-hand, cf. Faran. It is however possible that it may be a misunderstanding of Scott's for furr-ahin, s.v. Furr, n., 6. (2).]

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