Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1701
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STEM, n.1 A dam of stones erected in a stream to act as a fish-trap or to form a watering-place for cattle (Cai. 1904 E.D.D., Cai., Ags., Fif., Bwk., Lnk. 1971).Cai. 1701 J. Brand Descr. Ork. 228:
An Enclosure, which they call a Stem, into which the Fishes are driven, where the Fishers standing with this larger Net, others take a lesser Net and going therewith into the Stem, catch the Fishes so enclosed. . . . The Stem, or Stones laid together in form of a Wall.
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"Stem n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stem_n1>
