Glossary list

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Glossaries

Term Main definition
sope(1)

A small quantity [A Glossary of Lancashire Dialect http://www.dunkerley-tuson.co.uk/Pages/LancashireDialectGlossary.aspx]

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Sou'-Wester¹

A large waterproof hat or cap, originally made of oilskin, with a broad rim, worn esp. at sea to protect the head and neck during rough or wet weather. [OED]

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southdown

A breed of sheep [CPB]

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sovereign¹

¹Sovereign:- A gold coin of the (nominal) value of one pound [OED]

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Synonyms - sovereigns¹,sovering¹
Spalpeen¹

A rogue, rascal, or small-scale troublemaker.
A spailpín, (Anglicised as spailpeen or spalpeen) or "wandering landless labourer" derived from the Irish spailp, meaning "turn, spell, bout." [i]. Landless migratory seasonal agricultural labourers in the late eighteenth/ early 19th centuries were employed on Scottish farms. The spailpíni were precursors of the navvies in Scotland [ii]
The term came to be used as a pejorative by native Scots.

References:
[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spailp%C3%ADn (accessed 03May21)
[ii] Professor Ian Russell, The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen - personal communication.

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Synonyms - spalpan¹
spanking¹

The OED gives "fine; exceptionally good in some respect, frequently with implication of showiness or smartness." The Dictionary of the Scots Language suugests "Nimble, agile, fit, spirited". 

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spardeck¹

A light upper deck in a vessel [OED]

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sparter¹

Spart: A term of abuse of obscure origin [OED]

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spar¹

Spar: The general term for all masts, yards, booms, gaffs, etc [OED]

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Synonyms - spars¹
specs¹

Spec: A commercial speculation or venture (Stock Exchange Usage): [OED]

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Synonyms - spec¹
speered(1)

Enquired [On-line Scottish Dictionary gives the spelling ‘speir’ to mean question or enquire]

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spicy¹

 Full of spirit, smartness, or ‘go’.[OED]

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spout¹

To engage in declamation or recitation; to make a speech or speeches, esp. at great length or without much matter. [OED]

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Spree(1)

a lively or boisterous frolic; an occasion or spell of somewhat disorderly or noisy enjoyment frequently accompanied by drinking” (O.E.D.).

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Synonyms - sprees
spreed
Drunk. During the 19th c the word spree was often used to mean a drunken carousal
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sprite¹

A spirit or ghost

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sproach¹

The Dictionary of the Scots Language says that 'spoach' can mean 'to look for or to seek'. The OED says it can mean to 'to hunt or rummage for something' and that the word is Scottish (chiefly southern) and English regional (Northumberland). 'sproach' may be a variant meaning to travel for a purpose.

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spruce¹

Trim, neat, dapper; smart in appearance [OED]

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St. Monday

The practice of taking Monday off work with or without the employers agreement.

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Staff(1)

Probably a level-staff; a graduated rod, used to determine differences in elevation.

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