Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

AVE, AIVE, n.² [e:v]

1. On the point of (lit. on the eve of).Bnff.² 1932:
I wis in the ave o' pittin on ma bonnet, fin a chap [knock] cam' t' the door.Abd.(D) 1924 J. Wight in Swatches o' Hamespun 66:
Aw wis jist o' the aive o' ristin the fire fin Aw h'ard yir fit.Abd.⁹ 1932:
I was on the ave o' startin when [etc.].

2. In the mood for.Bnff.⁹ 1932:
Ye needna try him ony farrer, he's nae in the ave o't eynoo.Abd.⁴ 1928:
A'm nae on the ave o' 't the day.