Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MACFARLANE, prop. n. Phrs.: 1. MacFarlane's buat, -bowat, MacFarlane's lantern, i.e. the moon, so called because the MacFarlane clan were traditionally supposed to be especially addicted to riding on moonlight forays. See Bouet; 2. MacFarlane's geese, used proverbially as in quots. of lean, over-active creatures.2. Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 361:
You breed of MacFarlan's Geese, you have more mind of your Play, than your Meat. Spoken to Children, when their Earnestness upon their Play keeps them from Dinner.Sc. 1914 Notes & Queries (Ser. 2) IX. 314:
It is said that King James VI once visited the chief of the MacFarlane in his residence on one of the islands in Loch Lomond. He was much taken with the appearance of the geese that disported themselves in large numbers about the place, and he was pleased to express his royal approbation of their activity. When, however, one of the lively fowl was served up for dinner, his Majesty found it but a tough morsel, and caustically observed, “MacFarlan's geese like their play better than their meat.”
