Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

YOAG, n. Also yeog, yug (Ork. 1929 Marw.), yoig; uag (Sh. c.1870 E.D.D.), oag (Sh. 1932 J. M. Saxby Trad. Lore 203); jog, øg (Jak.). The large horse-mussel, Modiolus modiolus (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1974). Hence combs. yoig-draiger, one who dredges for mussels, yoag-shall, horse-mussel shell. See Dreg, v.² [jo(ə)g; Ork. jʌg]Sh. 1820 A. Edmonston Cod Fishery 16:
The bait chiefly in use is the great muscle, or yoag (Mitylus Modialus), of which the Cod are extremely fond.Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 14:
Draiglan ashore wi' a lot o' soor yoags an' ill washin' scags i' da shot o' his boat.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 76:
Mak assie porridge in a yoag and set it in the aesins and the pain will soon be better.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander (Mar.-Apr.) 12:
The winter haddock fishing (with its hardy yoig-draigers, and its equally hardy women who baited the lines).Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 27:
Yon men cud keep dir lips as tight As any yoag or clam.Sh. 1967 New Shetlander No. 81. 13:
Yoag-shalls at I hed fir kye; I teddered dem wi bits o' string.