Sc. (and north.). Also 9 sprote, sprott. [Cf. SPRAT v.3] A coarse kind of rush or rush-like grass.
c. 1600. Lindesays (Pitscottie) Chron. (S.T.S.), I. 336, note. The fluir layd with greine scheirrittis, with sprottis, medwartis, and flouris.
1808. Jamieson, s.v. Sprat, They are called sprotes [in] Ang[us]. Ibid. (1825), Suppl., Fosset, a mat of rushes or sprots, laid on a horse.
1853. G. Johnston, Nat. Hist. E. Borders, 199. Juncus acutiflorus. Sprat or Sprot.
1883. G. MMichael, Notes Way thr. Ayrshire, 78. All east of this is moorland, clad with bent, heath, and sprotts.