cock-laird Sc. humorous.
A small proprietor who cultivates his own land; a yeoman.
| 1721 Kelly Sc. Proverbs 362 (Jam.) You breed of water kail and cocklairds, you need mickle service. 1816 Scott Old Mort. Concl., Niel Blane..died worth as much money as married Jenny to a cock laird. 1837 Lockhart Scott xxxvii, The property had been in the hands of various small holders (Scotticè, cock-lairds). |