Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1823, 1877-1933
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BAR, n.6 Gen. in pl. and in phr. bar(s) o' Ayr, any movement implying great noise, speed or exertion.Lth. 1933 (per Lnk.3):
Common in Lothians and Lanark.Gsw. 1877 A. G. Murdoch Laird's Lykewake, etc. 68:
He reissles hame as fou's the Clyde, Defying Poverty and Care, And roarin' like the bars o' Ayr. [Also known by Arg.2]Ayr. 1823 Galt Entail III. vii.:
What's set the man a snoring like the bars o' Ayr, at this time o' day, I won'er?Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 131:
The brattle of the burn that gaed bye the hoose-end, could be heard, like the Bars of Ayr.Ayr.9 1931:
Runnin' like the bars o' Ayr, describes a heavy spate in the river after rain.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 48:
Gaun like the bars o' Ayr (new.), the bars o' the Ayr (centr.Rxb.), the bar o' Ayr (s.Rxb.), proceeding with satisfactory speed or celerity.
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"Bar n.6". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bar_n6>
