Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COVENANTER, n. Also Covenenter (Gall. a.1897 Rob Ringan's Plewman Cracks 13).
1. See Covenant, 2.
2. A corruption of corposanto, from It., = St Elmo's fire. Also covie's aunt.Bnff. 1886 Folk-Lore Jnl. IV. 7:
Saint Elmo's Light is called Covenanter, or Covie's Aunt, in Portessie.