Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CHEST, n. Sc. usages:

1. A kind of boxtrap of wicker-work used to catch salmon.Inv. 1766 Session Papers, Gordon v. Fraser (13 Jan.) 6:
The teeth or rungs of the hecks of all the cruives and chests on the river.

2. A rocky box-like chasm in a river.Abd. 1895 J. Mackintosh Hist. Valley Dee 209:
A striking rapid, called “The Chest of Dee.” It is a narrow and rocky part of the river through which the water rushes with great force into a pool.

[An anglicising in 1. of O.Sc. kist, id., 1564, in 2. of Gael. ciste, a box.]