Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEST, n. Also bes'. Gen. used with the (contr. 'e) to indicate Providence, the Deity. [bɛst Ork., Cai.]Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. Ork. Par. (1922) 62:
One bride . . . wished that the Best might send a wind i' this wind's teeth.Ork. 1929 E. Linklater White Maa's Saga 237:
Best forgie us, will none o' you stop that gramophone?Ork. 1952 R. T. Johnston Stenwick Days (1984) 85:
"Whar dis thoo think wrott id?" asked Timothy.
"Bes' kens," grunted Geordie. "Some whalp whar hetts me guts, onywey." Ork. 1994 George Mackay Brown Beside the Ocean of Time 53:
'Well,' said Jacob's mother, 'you'll be a great help to your dad from now on. The farm work hasna been easy for him since the rheumatics got into him. Thank the Best, you're a strong healthy lad.'Cai.(D) 1909 D. Houston 'E Silkie Man 7:
Thanks te'e Best, hid's lan' onywy.Ags. 1854 Arbroath Guide (12 Aug.) 3:
But hoo am to do that best kens.