E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Saut Lairds o’ Dunscore (The).
Lords or gentlefolk who have only a name but no money. The tale is that the “puir wee lairds of Dunscore” clubbed together to buy a stone of salt, which was doled out to the subscribers in small spoonfuls, that no one should get more than his due quota.
