Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BOONA, n., v. Also bouna.

1. n. “Harness for a horse” (Ork. 1929 Marw.), used fig. in quot.; a state of readiness, preparation, due order (Ork. 1975). Ork. 1825 Ork. & Zet. Chron. (28 Feb.) 24:
Pittin a tings in bouna about the house.Ork.(D) 1929 J. T. S. Leask in Old-Lore Misc., Ork., Sh., etc. IX. ii. 79:
A hale lock [lot] o' unco droll tings waar whissed [hissed] i' 'is lug o' foo tae tame or mak' feuls o' da lasses, whassaco tae had dem i' boona.

2. v. To get ready, prepare. Cf. Boonie, v. Ork. 1825 Ork. & Zet. Chron. (28 Feb.) 24:
Doun gaes the men to bouna the boats.