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.

BAIRN'S BARGAIN, n.

1. A bargain that can be easily broken.Sc. 1825 Jam.²:
“I mak nae bairn's bargains,” I make no pactions like those of children.Bnff.² 1932:
Na, na, my man, we'll stick t' the price we sattl't on. We're for nae bairn's bargains here.Fif.⁶ 1933:
Still current.

2. “A mutual agreement to overlook, and exercise forbearance as to, all that has passed, especially if of an unpleasant description” (Jam.² 1825 for Fif.).