Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡PRAIN, n. Also †prean (Gall. c.1700 W. MacFarlane Geog. Coll. (S.H.S.). III. 190). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. prawn, E.M.E. prayne. [pren]

1. The flounder, Platichthys flesus (Abd. c.1890 Gregor MSS.; Bch. c.1935 Fishery Board Gl.). Also in comb. prain-fluke, which is prob. the orig. form, sc. a flounder that feeds on prawns.

2. Given as the hermit crab (Kcd. 1911), but this is doubtful.