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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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SANQUHAR, prop.n. A town in Dumfriesshire, noted esp. for its knitting industry. [′sɑŋxər]

Combs.: 1. Sanquhar glove, a glove knitted in various ornamental patterns with a double thread peculiar to Sanquhar (Kcb., Dmf. 1969); 2. Sanquhar hose, stockings knitted in a similar way; 3. Sanquhar pattern, see under 1.; 4. Sanquhar plaid, see quot.; 5. Sanquhar stockings, = 2. See T. Brown Union Gazetteer (1807).1. Sc. 1777 Caled. Mercury (23 July):
Aberdeen, Sanquhar, and Kendal Hose and Gloves.Dmf. 1891 J. Brown Hist. Sanquhar 366:
In the early part of the present century, a considerable trade was done in the weaving, by hand, of stockings and mittens, which were sold in many quarters, and bore the distinctive name of Sanquhar gloves and Sanquhar stockings, earning a deservedly high character for comfort and durability. Both were woven on wires in a peculiar manner, and were parti-coloured, and of various patterns. If desired, the customer could have his name worked round the wrist of the gloves or the top of the stocking. The colours were, for the most part, simply black and white, the yarn used being very fine. As woven, the web was of double thickness, and very soft and "feel."Dmf. 1957 Dmf. & Gall. Standard(24 April):
Drawn fabric work, leatherwork, Sanquhar gloves.2. Sc. 1777 Caled. Mercury (5 Nov.):
A variety of the best Sanquhar Hose.Sc. 1820 Blackwood's Mag. (July) 375:
A species of leggins, called Sanquhar-hose, of a deep black rib, and reaching far on the shoe.Sc. 1833 J. Gorton Topograph. Dict. III. 329:
Before 1777 large quantities of woollen stockings (Sanquhar hose) were made here.3. Sc. 1951 G. Scott-Moncrieff Living Trad. Scot. 88:
Gloves in Sanquhar patterns with your own initials.4. Sc. 1776 Caled. Mercury (13 Jan.):
A rachan or Sanquhar plaid, stripped white and black.5. Sc. 1763 Caled. Mercury (3 Aug.):
To each of the two boys or girls under eight years of age who knit the greatest and best quantity of woollen stockings, and boot-hose, of the kind called Sanquhar stockings, before the first of February next, not less than five pairs, seven shillings.