Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCRAW, n. Also scra(a). A thin turf or sod, gen. used for roofing (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 423; Dmf. 1894 Trans. Dmf. and Gall. Antiq. Soc. 188, Ayr., Uls. 1929; Arg. 1990s); the top paring of turf removed before cutting a peat-bank (Wgt. 1969); the sod of a grave (Uls. 1929). Comb. scra-built. [skrɑ:]Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 42:
Down frae the scra-built shed the swallows pop.Uls. 1834 W. Carleton Traits II. 198:
The scraws were no sooner laid on, than half a dozen thatchers mounted the roof.Wgt. 1877 “Saxon” Gall. Gossip 121:
Over the stones a number of skraws, or thin sods were placed to prevent the mools squeezing the plague out.Uls. 1910 C. C. Russell People and Lang. 63:
A “scraw”, as every Ulsterite knows, is a sod or turf used at the gable ends of a thatched roof. “Scraws” are used for lawns, terraces, and even to cover graves.Gall. 1934 Gallovidian Annual 92:
“D'ye want ony mair withies, Donal'?” “Na, but I cud dae wi' a wheen mair scraas.”Uls. 1951 E. E. Evans Mourne Country 130:
The scraw was first pared off an area about 12 feet long and 6 wide.