Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1768, 1825, 1940
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‡DRONE, n.2 The posteriors, the backside.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 55:
Showding frae side to side, an' lewdring on, Wi' Lindy's coat syde hanging on her drone.Ags. 1940 (per Ags.2):
She has a grand murlin-drone, i.e. a good backside for carrying a creel.
Hence †drone-brat, an apron worn at the back by women as protection when carrying burdens.Upp.Cld. 1825 Jam.2:
In former times females generally wore two aprons, one before, the other behind hanging down the back. The latter was called the drone-brat.
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"Drone n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/drone_n2>
