Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BLACK GATE, n. “The road to ruin, the broad road” (Bnff.² 1934). Also used as cogn. obj. (see second quot.).Mry.² 1935:
Maugre ma heid, he wud tak the black gate.Ags. 1838 Montrose Standard (1 Feb.) 3/4; Ags.¹ 1934; ne., w.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
I never yet heard of ony o' my relations gaen the black gate.