A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Girning, vbl. n. Also: gyrn-, girnyng, girneing. [f. Girn v.1 Also in e.m.E. (1580).] Showing the teeth, snarling.1375 Barb. xiii. 157.
With sic thrawing and sic thristing, Sic gyrnyng, granyng, and so gret A noyis c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matt. viii. 12.
Thare salbe weping and girnyng of tethe 1528 Lynd. Dreme 224.
With cairfull cryis, girnyng, and greityng c1590 Fowler I. 325, xiv/4.
He was … Nor wood, nor mad, … no girning in his face 1662 Soc. Ant. XXII. 257.
He recovered of his girneing and foaming at the mouth
