E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Abbey Laird (An).
An insolvent debtor sheltered by the precincts of Holyrood Abbey.
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“As diligence cannot be proceeded with on Sunday, the Abbey Lairds (as they were jocularly called) were enabled to come forth on that day to mingle in our society.”—R. Chambers.
