Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

RAT, n.¹ See also Ratton. In Sc. Combs.:

1. rat-raik, a ruinous building where rats range about. See Raik, n.; 2. rat-tail, rat's-, the greater plantain, Plantago major, or its seed-head, so called because of the shape and colour of the spike when ripe (sw.Sc. 1896 Garden Wk. (New Series) No. cxvi. 111; Rxb. 1915 Jedburgh Gaz. (10 Sept.) 2; Arg.¹ 1931). Gen.(exc. I.)Sc., also in n.Eng. dial.1. Cai.⁴ c.1920:
An auld ratraik o' a hoose.