scotchman

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a New Zealand name fora smaller kind of the grass called Spaniard (q.v.).

1895. W. S. Roberts, `Southland in 1856,' p. 39:

«As we neared the hills speargrass of the smaller kind,known as Scotchmen,' abounded, and although not so strongand sharp-pointed as the `Spaniard,' would not have madea comfortable seat.»

1896. `The Australasian,' Aug. 28, p. 407, col. 5:

«. . . national appellations are not satisfactory. It seemsuncivil to a whole nation – – another injustice to Ireland – – tocall a bramble a wild Irishman, or a pointed grass, with theedges very sharp and the point like a bayonet, a Spaniard. Onecould not but be amused to find the name Scotchman applied to asmaller kind of Spaniard.'

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