A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1567-1681
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Turd(e, n. Also: tuird, tourd, toord. [ME and e.m.E. tord (a1250), toord (Wyclif), turde (1483), MDu., MFlem. torde, tort.] A lump of excrement. Also proverb. a1568 Bannatyne MS 162b title.
How the first Helandman of God was maid Of ane hors turd in Argylle as is said a1568 Bannatyne MS 162b/4.
Tourd a1585 Polwart Flyt. 585 (T).
The blairit buk and bystour … Hes richt trim teith … Ane toppit turde richt tewchlie for to taw 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) i 4.
When rhime bursts out from breast inrag'd, Like turds from puddings overcharg'dproverb. a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 812.
The mair ye tramp in a turde, it growes the breader a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 143.
Ane tuird will spill ane potfull of bruiss a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 460.
Go to your bed your bellie rumbles & ilk ane toord over other tumbles
b. As a type of something worthless. 1585 Calderwood IV 487.
I will not give a turd for thy preaching 1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1681) ii 38.
What thou has said's not worth two cow turds
c. As a term of abuse. 1631 Chron. Perth 96.
[Gilbert Henderson was convicted of calling the session] false lownes, false knaves, a turd for you all
d. attrib. and comb.attrib. a1585 Polwart Flyt. 787 (T).
Tuirdfacit, ay chaisit, almaist fyld for ane theifcomb. a1585 Polwart Flyt. 765 (H).
Swyne keeper, land leeper, tuird steipar frome the drouthe
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"Turd n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/turde>
