Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

BAR, n.¹ [bɑ:r Sc.; bǫ:r em. and wm.Sc.; bɒ:r sm.Sc., s.Sc.]

1. The game of throwing the bar, or tossing the caber.Edb. 1795 H. MacNeill Scotland's Scaith, ii.:
Wha wi' Will cou'd rin or wrastle? Throw the sledge, or toss the bar?

†2. A game resembling Chevy Chase or Prison Bars.Sc. 1825 Jam.²:
To play at bar, a species of game anciently used in S[cotland].