Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MUN, v., n.¹ Also mon, møn (Jak.). [mun].

I. v. 1. To bring about a change, esp. an increase; to show a difference in size or quantity (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)), e.g. of liquid in a vessel. Also with up (Jak.).Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
“It nivver muns” — it does not seem to make it nearer full.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Hit's monin fast.

2. To move the tether of a cow or other grazing animal, giving it access to fresh pasture (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1963).Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
“Mun da ky” — shift the stakes of tethered cows.

II. n. A difference, a marked change, esp. a change for the better, an increase, progress (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.). Freq. in phr. hit maks ne mun, it makes no difference, it does not fill up (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1963).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He is no makin' muckle mon . . . hit maks' mon . . . dis can hardly mak' a mink or mon in it.