An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language: in which the words are explained in their different senses, authorized by the names of the writers by whom they are used, or the titles of the work

"An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language" by John Jamieson is a linguistic reference work written in the early 19th century. This dictionary serves as an abridged edition of a previously published two-volume work from 1808, focusing on Scottish terms and their meanings, usages, and etymologies. The book is aimed at helping readers understand the varied senses of words in the Scottish vernacular, which includes words that might have different usages compared to standard English. The opening of the dictionary presents an introductory note that outlines its purpose and structure, explaining that it incorporates terms found in Scottish literature and contextualizes them with authorship references. It mentions that while the dictionary aims to be comprehensive, some entries may be out of sequence or undefined, highlighting the rich but complex nature of the Scottish linguistic landscape. Moreover, it acknowledges the fluidity of spelling in Scottish words, suggesting that variations reflect historical linguistic developments in Scotland. Overall, the beginning establishes the groundwork for a detailed exploration of the Scottish language and its unique attributes.