Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1787, 1849, 1941
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COVE, n. Sc. usages. [ko:v]
1. A cave or cavern (Arg. 1990s; Ags.17 1941; Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn.); "a worn-out ledge or hag on a river-bank" (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also found in n.Eng. dial. (E.D.D.).Cai.7 1941:
The lan' cove at Ulbster extends underground for hundreds of yards. It is the home of seals.Bwk. 1849 Proc. Bwk. Nat. Club II. 350:
The dark caverns, or "coves," . . . had the repute . . . of being tenanted by these animals.Ayr. 1787 Burns Brigs of Ayr (Cent. ed.) ll. 133–134:
O'er-arching, mouldy, gloom-inspiring coves, Supporting roofs fantastic — stony groves.
2. A recess (in a wall).Bnff.2 1941:
He said he fan the boxie in a cove in the wa'.
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"Cove n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/cove_n>
