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.
BESS, v.2 A Sc. spelling and pronunciation of Eng. bass, to sing in a bass voice. [bès]Abd.(D) 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xl.:
He wud sowff a spring to twa three o' them; or bess till 'imsel' singin', wi' the fiddle, siclike as it was.Abd.(D) 1917 C. Murray Sough o' War (1918) 28:
Ae creeshy gurk that led the lave was bessin' lood an' strang, Fan something hat him i' the kyte that fairly changed his sang.
