Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BEVER, Baiver, Baver, Bevver, v. [′bɛvər, ′be:vər]
1. To shake, tremble in a gen. sense; also to shake with cold or fear or weakness.s.Sc. 1793 T. Scott Poems 322:
But only say I never waver In loove to you; But now my hand begins to baver, Adieu, adieu.Bwk., Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
To Bever, Baiver, Bevver. To shake, to tremble; especially, from age or infirmity; as, “We're auld beverin bodies”; “Beverin wi' the perils,” shaking with the palsy.Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 45:
Bev'rin like the shakin reed, Whan the breezes brush the glade.Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 7:
The fisslin leafs trimmelt an bevvert i the simmer breeze.
2. In phr. baiverin i' the wind, struggling against the wind.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
“What's she staan oot there baiverin i' the wind for noo?” Espec. of a girl with hair blown about — “What are thoo been out baiveran i' the wind for, the day?”
