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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.

ACAMY, AIKAMY, AKAMY, AKKAMI, n. and adj. (Sh. and Ork.) [′ɑkɑmi, ′ɑkəmi, ′ɛkəmi.]

1. n. A weak or infirm person (or animal); a weakling. Used also as a term of abuse.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Akkami, a poor infirm person or animal.
Sh. 1908 Jak.:
A puir akami.
Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Thoo're a vild (= vile) akamy.
Ib.:
As poor (lean) as an aikamy.

2. adj. Diminutive undersized, infirm.Ork. 1845 R. Scarth in Stat. Acc.2 XV. Orkney 95:
Acamy, adj., diminutive.

[Bugge has suggested an antecedent Norse form afkomi (cf. Norse av-komen, adj., weakly, emaciated). Marw. suggests that it is a corruption of Eng. atomy, a contr. form of anatomy.]

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