Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ALE-RANT, n. (See quot.)Abd. 1897 J. Pirie in Bnffsh. Jnl., Ms. Coll. for Hist. of Cairnie Par. (2 Feb.) 6:
The Ale Rant. It is fifty years or longer since it fell out of use. [It] was got up about Christmas or the New Year for the benefit of some old man or old couple in necessitous circumstances. . . . A large company appeared on the appointed evening to taste the browst, as it was called. One man measured out the ale in jugs to every one who came forward, and another man was in attendance to receive the money.