Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
RIFART, n. Also ryfart (Jam.); reefart (Slg. 1912 Scotsman (19 Jan.)), reefort (Sc. 1808 Jam.); misprint refait. A radish. Also attrib. and in comb. reefart-nosed, red-nosed. [′rifərt, ′rəif-]Sc. 1706 J. Watson Choice Coll. i. 10:
With Sybows and Rifarts and Carlings, That are both sodden and ra.Edb. 1792 “Juvenis Scoticus” Melpomene 47:
Bra' wat lads, that loo'd the mouthfu', Meet couth to cool, wi' calar toothfu' Their refait [sic] noses.Sc. 1814 J. Sinclair Agric. Scot. II. 63:
Sometimes a few cauliflower may be seen in feuars' gardens, and reeforts and lettuces for sallad.Peb. 1832 R. D. C. Brown Carlop Green ii. 36:
Wi' 's reefart-nosed, blae-cheeked wife.Ayr. 1999:
Ma rifarts have breared.
