Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1894-1954
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SKOVIN, n. Also scovin(g), skovveen, skobbin. [′skovɪn]
1. Gen. in pl.: the crustation which forms on the bottom and sides of a vessel in which porridge sowens or the like have been boiled, pot-scrapings (Sh. 1825 Jam., 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970).Sh. 1894 J. M. E. Saxby Camsterie Nacket 150:
If I as muckle as scrape a pot in her hearing, she maun ken what I do wi' the scovins.Sh. 1954 New Shetlander No. 40. 11:
Eftir Robbie hed glaepit da rice, skovveens an aa.
2. Transf. A large snowflake (Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Great skovins o' snaw.
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"Skovin n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/skovin>
