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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.

Quotation dates: 1928-1929

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BALSUM, n. A soothing, satisfying abundant drink or meal. [′bɑlsəm]Abd.5 1928:
She set doon a gey balsum o' brose.
Arg.1 1929:
Ah got a rare balsum o' soor mulk!

[Prob. a humorous extension of the meaning of balsam, an aromatic vegetable juice.]

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"Balsum n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 22 May 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/balsum>

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