Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1870-1950
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SPRIG, n. A tune, a snatch of song, a dance tune (Abd. 1904 E.D.D.; n.Sc., Ags., Fif., Lnk., sm.Sc. 1971). [sprɪg]Edb. 1870 J. Lauder Warblings 95:
I shall play Ower a sprig o' the merriest.m.Sc. 1899 J. Buchan Grey Weather 263:
Once I heard a tinkler play a sprig of it on the pipes.Per. 1904 E.D.D.:
Gie's a bit 'bacco an' I'll gie ye a sprig o' a tune.ne.Sc. 1950 Scots Mag. (Jan.) 330:
For thare's nae a bonnier whussler an Ah ken a hantle better sprigs, nor onie.
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"Sprig n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/sprig_n>
