Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ALISS, Alis,2 int. In ne.Sc. = stop! (esp., stop hurting me); oh! (a cry of pain). [ə′lɪs]Bnff.2 1931:
Aliss is still quite common, mostly as an interjection in response to a sudden stab of pain. Also as in this example: If things dinna impruv a bittie shortly, it'll gar twa three cry aliss.Abd.(D) 1894 G. Greig Mains's Wooin' (1909) 57:
I suppose than I'll jist need to be content wi' my ain auld woman. (Starting as Mrs A. pinches his arm) Aliss!Abd.(D) 1920 Gleanings from a Deeside Par. 11:
Young Rustic (puts his finger in black man's mouth and gets it bitten) — Lord, aliss, min! I thocht ye wis a timmer chiel.Abd.(D) 1929 J. Alexander Mains and Hilly 79:
It's gey sair, onywye, an' gin aw gie't a vrang junny, it's aweers o' garrin' ma cry, “Alis!”
