sark
word
Definition
A Scottish or older dialect word for a shirt, and sometimes for a loose undergarment or nightshirt. It is not common in modern standard English.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly found in Scots, historical writing, poetry, folk songs, or regional speech. Learners should not use it as the normal everyday word; use 'shirt' in standard English. Meaning depends on context, because older texts may use it for an undergarment rather than outer clothing.
Example Sentences
He wore a clean sark to the festival.
basic
The museum label says this sark was made of linen.
basic
I had to look up sark because I'd never seen it in modern English before.
natural
She thought sark meant a jacket, but in that song it really means a shirt.
natural
In the old poem, the farmer washes his sark in the river.
basic
If you're reading Scots ballads, don't be surprised when sark shows up now and then.
natural