Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
AGAINST, prep. Of time: towards, near. (In St.Eng., obs., arch. or dial.) [ə′genst + ə′gɛnst]Sc. 1816 Scott B. Dwarf i.:
I will be back here to my kail against ane o'clock.Sc. 1899–1901 Vagab. Songs, etc. ed. R. Ford (1904) 156:
I wish we had her hung in cords, We'll eat her against Yule. Adb. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 42: Neist day 'gainst noon he comes upon a brae, Where mony a beast at their ain leisure lay.
