Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RUGLEN, prop.n. The local reduced form of the placename Rutherglen near Glasgow. Deriv. Ruglonian, an inhabitant of Rutherglen (Lnk. 1960 Stat. Acc.³ 240). Combs. and Phrs.: 1. Ruglen lums reik rairlie, a tongue-twister once popular among schoolchildren (Rnf. 1800 Crawfurd MSS. (N.L.S.) R.60); 2. Rutherglen plough, an improved form of plough made in Rutherglen (see quot.); 3. Ruglen ream, a dish of sour cream or curds, formerly a specialty of Rutherglen. [′rʌglən]2. Lnk. 1793 D. Ure Rutherglen 116:
It was first made in Rutherglen, about 50 years ago and consequently, according to Lord Kames, must have been among the first improved ploughs in Scotland. The plan after which it is constructed was proposed by Lady Stewart of Coltness. From this place it found its way into the neighbouring parishes, where it still continues to be known by the name of the Rutherglen plough. It is usually about 11 feet in length, and 19 inches in depth, from the beam to the sole. The sheath is not mortised in the head; and it is placed at a more oblique angle than in the Scottish plough. The sock is of an oval form, and is fixed both on the sheath and head. A screw bolt of iron goes through the beam and sheath through the head. The mould-board is covered with iron: and the whole is not much heavier than the chain plough. It answers well in a light soil free from stones.3. Gsw. c.1790 Glasgow Past & Present (1884) II. 31:
A tureenful of “Ruglen ream,” and a bowlful of sugar lying cheek-by-jowl with it.Gsw. 1922 W. R. Shearer Rutherglen Lore 110:
The proof of “Ru'glen Ream,” like the pudding, was the “preein' o't.”