Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1861-1937
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BURST, n. Used as in St.Eng., but note the following.
1. "Burst of whinstone, A bed or mass of igneous rock at the surface of the ground" (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 14).
2. A sudden and violent appearance of a shoal of fish; given by N.E.D. as "in local use."Ork. 1881 Weekly Scotsman (2 Feb.):
What is known at Kirkwall as a burst of razor or spout-fish (Solen siliqua) commenced on an extensive scale last Sunday morning in the Broadbay Sands.
3. Temporary or permanent injury caused by over-exertion (Bnff.2, Abd.19, Ags.2, Fif.10 1937). Cf. Bursen, 1 (2).Mry.(D) 1897 J. Mackinnon Braefoot Sk. 126:
Ane o' the men niver cower'd the burst 'at he got sheelin' a road.
4. A bout of drunkenness (Bnff.2, Abd.22, Ags.1, Lnk.3, Kcb.1 1937); a big feed (w.Lth. 1937 (per Edb.1)). Given in N.E.D. and Un. Eng. Dict. as colloq. Often in phr. a hunger or a burst = Eng. "a feast or a famine" (Cai.7, Slg.3, Fif.10, Lnl.1 1937); also fig.Arg.1 1937:
There's nae steady tred nooadays; it's ayther a hunger or a burst.Rnf. 1861 J. Barr Poems and Songs 110:
I wadna just say that she's drucken, But it's either a burst or a starve.
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"Burst n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/burst_n>
