Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FORESMAN, n. Also †forzmin. Sc. forms of Eng. foreman, the head workman (Sc. 1799 H. Mitchell Scotticisms 37; ‡Sh., Ork., Hdg., Arg., Kcb., Dmf. 1953), usually of ploughmen (Ork.¹ 1943).Edb. 1754 Sc. Antiquary (1895) IX. 185:
Anne, daughter to John White, head-foresman at Saltpetre Work at Prestonpans.Sc. 1840 G. Webster Ingliston xxx.:
Tam Lowrie — him that's foresman to Bailie Corstorphine.Lnk. 1853 W. Watson Poems 8:
At e'en to the Foresman he countit his tallies.