Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
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.

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'.