Also sporan. [a. Sc. Gael. sporan, Ir. sparán purse.] A pouch or large purse made of skin, usually with the hair left on and with ornamental tassels, etc., worn in front of the kilt by Scottish Highlanders.
1818. Scott, Rob Roy, xxxiv. I advise no man to attempt opening this sporran till he has my secret.
1837. W. F. Skene, Highlanders Scot., I. ix. I. 227. The resemblance to the Highland dress is very striking, presenting also considerable indication of the sporran or purse.
1869. Daily News, 30 July, 5/3. There were many Highland Chieftains in the yard, some wearing their sporans or purses, made of a fox’s head and skin, or that of a brock.
1884. W. C. Smith, Kildrostan, I. i. 170. His gillies … all in the brave tartan, with plaid and sporran.
1891. Mrs. J. W. Harrison, Life Mackay of Uganda, 14. These Southerners have attired themselves, for the nonce, in the kilt and sporan and Glengarry bonnet.
