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.
ABACK, adv. [ə′bɑk]
1. Behind, in the rear. Gen.Sc.Ayr. 1786 Burns Holy Fair ii.:
The third, that gaed a wee a-back, Was in the fashion shining Fu' gay that day.
2. (See Uls. quot.)Wgt.2 1930:
Licht aback, heavy aback.Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl. Ant. Dwn. 1:
“Light-a-back,” “Heavy-a-back.” When a cart is loaded, the load can be arranged so as to press very lightly on the horse, this is having it “light-a-back”; when the chief weight is towards the front of the cart, and therefore presses on the horse, the cart is “heavy-a-back.”
3. Away, aloof, off. Gen.Sc.Sc.(E) 1879 P. H. Waddell Isaiah lxv. 5:
Wha say syne, Haud a-back, come-na nar till me. [A.V. stand by thyself.]Sh. 1914 Angus Gl. 165:
Da riven sleeve hads da haand aback.em.Sc. 1788 Jas. Macaulay Poems 189:
An' Mars, wi' a' his butcher train, Aye bide aback; An' never let us o' our slain Be heard to crack.Ayr. 1786 Burns Twa Dogs l. 175:
O would they stay aback frae courts, An' please themsels wi' countra sports.Wgt. 1804 R. Couper Poems II. 227:
O Colly, tyke! had, had aback, Your slumber there ye maunna tak.
4. Since, ago.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 92:
Nae monie days aback, I mair cud say, But fouk sud no be vain o' what they hae.
