Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1747-1748, 1929-1932
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EDINBURGH, prop.n. The capital of Scotland. Also ¶Edinburg, in sense 1., after Osnaburg.
1. See quot.Sc. 1747 Annual Progress Linen Manufacture (H.M.S.O. 1964) 98, 102:
Osnaburgs and Dowles or Edinburgs. The Trustees did this year, in consequence . . . of the powers given them by Law alter the Names of certain Species of Linens Manufactured in this Country-Osnaburgs they called Edinburgs, Cambricks were named Carolines, &c.Sc. 1748 Caled. Mercury (14 April):
These are advertising, that there are Prizes . . . for encouraging the Weaving of coarse Linnens called Edinburghs, and spinning Yarn fit for such Cloth.
2. Comb.: Edinburgh rock, a sweetmeat made of sugar, cream of tartar and water, with the addition of different flavouring agents, which was originally made in Edinburgh. Gen.Sc. For recipe see F. M. McNeill Sc. Kitchen (1929) 229.Sc. 1929 F. M. McNeill Sc. Kitchen 229 Footnote:
The original Edinburgh Rock is made by the famous Edinburgh firm of Ferguson . . . the world-famous rock is one of the triumphs of the Scottish confectioner's art.m.Sc. 1932 “O. Douglas” Priorsford xxviii.:
And, oh, Jean, Edinburgh rock! One of the happiest memories of my childhood!
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"Edinburgh n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/edinburgh>
