| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Tag’hairm (2 syl.). | | |
|
A means employed by the Scotch in inquiring into futurity. A person wrapped up in the hide of a fresh-slain bullock was placed beside a waterfall, or at the foot of a precipice, and there left to meditate on the question propounded. Whatever his fancy suggested to him in this wild
situation passed for the inspiration of his disembodied spirit. | 1 |
| |
| “Last evening-tide |
| Brian an augury hath tried, |
| Of that kind which must not be |
| Unless in dread extremity, |
| The Taghairm called.” | |
|
| |
Sir Walter Scott: Lady of the Lake, iv. 4. |
|
| |
|
|
